MobileRead Book Challenges discussion
2019 Individual Challenges
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Rumpelteazer's 2019 Reading Challenge
Call of the Jersey Devil by Aurelio Voltaire.Uhm, yeah. I'm not sure about this book. I don't dislike it, but I'm not sure I liked it. By the time the story was growing on me it was over.
Red Creek by Nathan Hystad.A very enjoyable horror story. I will need to read more of his books.
and
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware.
A good thriller, with a nice twist.
Earlier this week the latest The World of Others/Others book by Anne Bishop was released so that's what I'm going to read first. Then it's time to tackle Hamilton's The Evolutionary Void, the last book of The Void trilogy. It's over 700 pages long so it'll probably take me over a week to read.
Really?? I'm still on book...3? BUt I have 5
Peter F. Hamilton has three series set in the same universe and one stand alone book. GoodReads lists it all under one series.I've read the first series, The Commonwealth Saga (two books), I'm going to start the final book in the second series, The Void Trilogy (three books) and then I'm going to start the third series, Commonwealth: Chronicle of the Fallers (two books). I'm still debating whether or not to read Misspent Youth, the stand alone prequel. The reviews aren't that good.
Bianca wrote: "Peter F. Hamilton has three series set in the same universe and one stand alone book. GoodReads lists it all under one series.I've read the first series, The Commonwealth Saga (two books), I'm go..."
I'm sorry. I was talking about The Others, lol.
MrsJoseph wrote: "Really?? I'm still on book...3? BUt I have 5"There are 5 in the first series. There are now two in what is possibly a sub-series (according to GR) or might be another series set in the same universe. One was released last year and the second a week ago. I've just finished it and loved it.
Wild Country by Anne Bishop.I loved this book. I had hoped it would continue the story from Lake Silence, which I also loved, but it seems that with this (sub) series Bishop tells a story about a different location each time.
Up next is a long book, The Evolutionary Void. Which is the last in a series. I'm making okay headway with those. It'll soon be time to start reading first in series to find new series to read. I've got one already lined up, the DI Hillary Green series, but it's a long series (17 books so far) so I want to wait until I've finished a few more series before continuing with that. Not sure why, there's no real logic in that, but it's what I'll do.
The Evolutionary Void by Peter F. Hamilton.A great book, the fastest read by Hamilton for me. It wraps up everything nicely. There's a third series set in the same universe, I will start it at some point, but not any time soon (maybe later in the year, maybe next year).
Another series finished, at the moment I try to read one book per active series before starting again. Using a randomizer app to choose which book to read next (most of the time). This series there are three more books left and for the next go-around I will finish two more series, The Mayfair Witches and Lockwood & Co. So I'm making good progress on that challenge.
I've used a randomizer a few times when I cant decide what to read next :DI have some Hamilton books, haven't gotten around to reading them yet though
Bianca wrote: "MrsJoseph wrote: "Really?? I'm still on book...3? BUt I have 5"There are 5 in the first series. There are now two in what is possibly a sub-series (according to GR) or might be another series set..."
Ok. So I'm not as far back as I thought
I´ve been checking out Amazon book recommendations and it seems the popular horror story trope of a person/family having lost family member(s) and moving to a new, often remote, place and ending up in a haunted house/village seems to have been replaced with a new trope: someone unexpectedly inherits an old house/mansion, often from an unknown family member, and it turns out to be haunted. Often the will stipulates something; the heir(s) have to live in it or do it up.I clicked on four different recommendation and the all followed this storyline. I have to admit I like it better than the grieving storyline, but I expect I'll tire of it sooner or later.
Mind's Eye by Hakan Nesser.The first book in the Inspector Van Veeteren series. A nice and easy read. Though the writing style needs some getting used to, not sure if that's just the author's style or that it happened in the translation to English.
I just discovered that I missed to releases from series I follow; the latest Rizzoli & Isles, from 2017, and the latest Pendergast, which was released. I think I'm going to add the category "catch up" to my randomizer app I use for my series.
DoodlePanda wrote: "I've used a randomizer a few times when I cant decide what to read next :DI have some Hamilton books, haven't gotten around to reading them yet though"
I found that with series I tend focus on a couple and forget about some. I didn't read a Guido Brunetti book for over a year once. With the randomizer app I keep reading them all. I also put the next unread of each series on my Kindle and delete them when I finish them. When I've read a book of each of my active series I'll load the next set. I do make some exceptions. For instance Hamilton, I love his books, but I'm not a sci-fi fan so I need to be in the mood for both sci-fi and long books.
The Jekyll Revelation by Robert Masello.An okay read; a bit slow and the reveal was too obvious for me, but enjoyable nonetheless.
The Long Way Home by Louise Penny.A good book, though with a sad ending. Hopefully Mrs. Gamache will play a bigger role in coming books, I like her.
Infernal Devices by Philips Reeve.Okay.
I just started reading Robert McCammon's Boy's Life. I've had it on my Kindle for a while and within a couple of pages I was wondering why didn't read it sooner. I love it when that happens.
Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon.A great read, I've had it high on my TBR list for a while now and I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner. I got it when I was looking for books similar to Stephen King's It. I was convinced I've read at least one McCammon book before, but I haven't, I do have two other books by him in my library. They've risen on my TBR list, but they're long books, over 900 pages each, and I've got several long books planned for the near future, so these'll have to wait. Maybe I'll read one during summer, I tend to read longer books in summer for some reason.
The Empty Grave by Jonathan Stroud.I loved it and it made me sad, since this is the last book of the series. If understand it correctly it isn't just the latest book of the series, but the final book. However, you never know.
It means that I've finished a series for my challenge. My next book is also a final book in a series, but it isn't part of the series challenge.
The Ghost of Briarwych Church by Amy Cross.Okay. The first half was a prequel of the series and the second half was part of the first two books from a different character's perspective. Another series finished.
The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly.That was fun, though not for those with a queasy stomach; it more bloody than many slasher horror novel. But for me it hit the right spot.
Now, again, onwards with my series.
Verses for the Dead Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child.A fun story, I liked that it wasn't one focusing on the main character but on the mystery.
This year I've been focusing on my series a lot, I haven't read that many stand alone books. I'm in the mood for a horror binge, so I've treated myself to a three (also new-to-me authors), after those I'll go back to my challenge.
I'm doing really well over all. I'm 6 to 7 books ahead according to the GoodReads and a couple of weeks ahead on page count. This Saturday is a national holiday in the Netherlands, normally I have to work all day, but not this week. So I have extra time to read. On Sunday I'm going to my friends' place to look after their new dog for a week, which also means extra reading time. So I'm hoping to get ahead more.
I'm really enjoying my current book by S. A. Jacobs. And I'm annoyed to find that he only has written one book. According to his blog he's working on a book featuring one of the supporting characters from his first book.
Oooh, his book looks good. And it's on KU too. I might be diving into that one.
Christa wrote: "Oooh, his book looks good. And it's on KU too. I might be diving into that one."Same xD
DoodlePanda wrote: "Christa wrote: "Oooh, his book looks good. And it's on KU too. I might be diving into that one."Same xD"
You should. I started reading it last night and before I knew it I was at 24% and had to force myself to put it down and go to bed. LOL
Haha! Ok I'll move it up on my list.I dont have a "list" really... but ill get to it sooner xD
haha I know exactly how that is. :D
The Demon of Mansfeld Manor by S.A. Jacobs.A fun read, even if I was a bit distracted the last couple of days.
The Haunting of Abram Mansion: A Riveting Haunted House Mystery by Alexandria Clarke.A fun and quick horror story. A bit too obvious and there were too many hints about the upcoming twist. But entertaining nonetheless.
The Haunting of Jefferson Mansion by Carrie Bates.Silly and simplistic. I would have abandoned it if it wasn't so short.
I had a really good month. I've read almost 1000 pages over average for April. Which means I'm now almost 2000 pages ahead of average so far this year. It's really nice to have a buffer.
I've decided that in September I'm going to have another Reading Retreat week. When having lunch with my sister today she was trying to get me to ask her to join me. But I want to be alone, I'm looking forward to a week of introverting.
Well done, you're well ahead of schedule!And good for you not giving in and inviting her, you should do what you feel like when you're on your holiday! And a week of introverting and reading sounds pretty good in my opinion! :D
DoodlePanda wrote: "And good for you not giving in and inviting her, you should do what you feel like when you're on your holiday! And a week of introverting and reading sounds pretty good in my opinion! :D "I don't mind going on vacation with her once in a while, but even if we book a cottage for a lazy week she wants to do things. So we usually compromise and go out several days and stay in other days.
I've been reading a lot so far, however that might change any moment. So it's nice to be ahead.
A Darkling Plain by Philip Reeve.Well, that took me long enough. It wasn't the fault of the book, though it does usually take me a while to get into books in this series. But I was feeling a bit under the weather and needed more sleep than normal and I got into watercolouring again, which left me with less time to read than normal.
I had planned to read the final book in the Mayfair Witches trilogy, but I expect it to take me a while and after getting bogged down this passed week I decided I need to read something a bit easier.
The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny.A great addition to the series. I realized that at the very least I liked all books in this series. Which is remarkable. Usually there are books I don't like, and the quality of many series will go down the more books are released (some get better again, but a lot don't).
Now it's time to start on Anne Rice's Taltos. The least liked book in the trilogy, but luckily also the shortest (though still long). Just in case I need a break I got two short stories lined up.
Bianca wrote: "Peter F. Hamilton has three series set in the same universe and one stand alone book. GoodReads lists it all under one series.I've read the first series, The Commonwealth Saga (two books), I'm go..."
Didn't know there was a third series. I've finished Pandora's Star and plan to listen to the 2nd book next month. I already bought the Void Trilogy.
I do have to get more of a go on the Louise Penny series. Loved the first book. I have too many series though. My sis has been trying to get me to read The Relic, so it's on my list for this year.
Stephanie wrote: "Didn't know there was a third series. I've finished Pandora's Star and plan to listen to the 2nd book next month. I already bought the Void Trilogy.I do have to get more of a go on the Louise Penny series. Loved the first book. I have too many series though. My sis has been trying to get me to read The Relic, so it's on my list for this year. "
I didn't know there was a third series set in the Commonwealth world until recently. I've put it on my list on FictFact, for when I'm in the mood for some sci-fi.
The Armand Gamache books are nice, they aren't cozies, but they're still relaxed reads.
With The Relic I think you mean the first in the Agent Pendergast series by Child and Preston? I like that series, though later books can be hit or miss IMHO. But the first books are really fun.
I'm just over a third of the way into Taltos, and so far I haven't felt the need for a short story break. So far so good. To be honest, I'm enjoying this book more than the second book of the trilogy, Lasher, but I do wish Rice would get to the point more quickly. For the first book the slowness was fine, there was a lot of information and it was interesting. In the second book it just dragged on. Have to wait and see how this story will develop.
Taltos by Anne Rice.Well, that was a bit of a slog. It started out okay, but halfway through I was thoroughly annoyed with the characters. The only redeeming factor was part where history is told, I liked that. That's probably why I liked the first book, it was mostly the telling of the history of the Mayfair witches. TBH I did what I did when having to read books I didn't like for uni; I set a goal each day, in this case 100 pages a day, and try to read more than that so I'll finish it sooner. But it's done now and another series finished.
The Haunting of Ironwood by Jeff DeGordick.Meh. Not really a haunting IMHO. Sure there was a ghost in the Ironwood house all this time, but it didn't come out until the end and it only lasted a couple of pages. More of a thriller with a ghost than anything else.
Who Slays the Wicked by C.S. Harris.
I loved it, it's amazing how well she maintains the quality of this series. Best of all she recently signed a deal for three more books after the next one! Highly recommended.
Bianca wrote: "I´ve been checking out Amazon book recommendations and it seems the popular horror story trope of a person/family having lost family member(s) and moving to a new, often remote, place and ending up..."Hubby is looking for mystery/slight horror...and discovered does not exist without being "thriller"
MrsJoseph wrote: "Hubby is looking for mystery/slight horror...and discovered does not exist without being "thriller" "Some of Darcy Coates' stuff fits the bill, I think, if he's okay with ghost stories.
MrsJoseph wrote: "Hubby is looking for mystery/slight horror...and discovered does not exist without being "thriller""He might want to check out Ambrose Ibsen. Some of his works is horror/mystery, though it might be a bit too much horror. If he doesn't mind YA he can also check out Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood & Co. series. Which is paranormal and mystery.
Borkmann's Point by Hakan Nesser.Okay
I'm now looking at possible new series; I need to be careful that I don't end up with all crime, thriller and mystery series.
Argh, Nesser's book didn't want to delete off my Kindle completely. It said it was still there, but when trying to open it said it was deleted. I just can't deal with a book sitting there that isn't there. A restart didn't work, so I had to do a reset. I'm glad I keep a limited number of books on my Kindle. I can't imagine having to copy hundreds (thousands) of books onto my Kindle. Besides the dictionaries I now have twenty books on it.
Oops, I just bought three books. I wanted to buy one, to treat myself for my one night trip to Amsterdam, but I couldn't help myself. Mind you, On Tuesday I'll probably have a lot of time to read; there's a public transport strike, so I've booked a hotel near the theater. But it also means I can't go anywhere that's not within walking distance. There's a shopping area, but I expect I've seen everything there within an hour. The weather prediction isn't good, so I'll probably go back to the hotel and relax in the lounge/restaurant until it's time to leave for the show. If they weather turns out better I can go to the park. Either way I'll have enough time to read that day.
Ah yes, I've also accidentally bought books before :DHave a nice trip!
Thanks. Worst thing is that I'm now about to start a new book and it isn't one of those three.Callie by Bill Thompson.
A fun, quick read. A bit to obvious (for me) at times and not particularly scary. But a fun haunted house story with a mystery. It's the first in a series and it seems each book is about a different haunted house (?). There are two more books in this series and I liked the first book enough to get the other two today. It'll be fun reads in between heavier books.
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Okay-ish. It seems to me her writing style has changed since the previous book. I also found the ending very rushed.
On Sunday I'm leaving for Amsterdam for a couple of days. I've got tickets to see Sarah Millican on Monday and decided to make a trip out of it. Since I can't finish another book before that I've decided to start the first book I have selected for this trip.