September 2009 Reading Challenge

[Amy]

I am all done with my first challange!!!!
Fantasy Lover Jeannie 09/26/2009
Dark Lover Chris K 09/24/2009
Poison Study Nita 09/29/2009
One for the Money Shazzy 09/21/2009
Dead Until Dark Amber 09/05/2009
Undead and Unemployed FlibBityFloob 09/01/2009
Undead and Unappreciated Ann 09/02/2009
Twilight Josie 09/10/2009
Tall, Dark & Hungry Wendy 09/11/2009

[Mel]

Stick a fork in me: I'M DONE!

Wohoo my first challenge completed:


1. Storm Born by Richelle Mead (Michelle M) 9/5 ****
2. Dark Lover by JR Ward (Amelia) 11/9 *** (3,5 actually, bordering on 4)
3. Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward (Cherra) 9/24 *****
4. Lover Revealed by J. R. Ward (Shannon) ****
5. Dates from Hell by Kim Harrison etc. (Looloo) **1/2
6. No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong (Kristel) 9/6 ****
7. Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong (Diana)-> 9/8 ****
8. A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole (Nichole) 18/9 ****
9. Lover Eternal by J. R. Ward (Samantha) 9/20 ****


Finished .
It was a good book. I like Marissa, I love Butch. I luuuv Butch and V. I was wishing for a Marissa/Butch/Vishous menage but alas :(
Very decent read. 4 stars.

This has been a good month. The best books of the month were Lover Awakened and Storm Born. Eventhough I didn't give the latter 5 stars (I tend to be more strict when it comes to UF) it was right up there with Lover Awakened.
Uuuuuummmppfff still haven't decided if I'm going to do the October challenge. 9 books is just so many and I don't want to run out of books to read. :S

[FlibBityFLooB]

Mel - hehe. I don't think I would ever run out of books to read. There's too many on my to-be-read pile, and a giant wishlist for me at the library...

[Ann aka Iftcan]

lol, I agree Flib--I have 43 books on my reserve list at the library, 9 waiting to be picked up and about 70 or so sitting on the shelves here at home. Just too many books and not enough time. :o)

[Mel]

Oh but girls, even though my TBR list is long, my budget is sort of tight. I have to buy all the books I'm reading and buying 10 books a month is costly I can tell you. Still: it's a good investment :D

[Michelle]

Token Female Gamer wrote: "Poison Study (Jan)
Guilty Pleasure (Felicia)
The Laughing Corpse (Felicia)
Circus of the Damned ( FlibBityFLooB)
[book:Daughter of the Blood The ..."


I have that same Black Jewels Trilogy. Its good to know that you enjoyed it so much. I was planning on using Daughter of the Blood for part of the October challenge. I've had it for a while now, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

no library Mel? There are 8 branches to my local library and I just request my books and have them delivered to the closest branch.

Are you in some place where they are shutting down libraries? Or way out in the boonies and can't get to one?

[[deleted user]]

I'm find it very difficult to find a lot of these titles in Australian bookstores and/or libraries. I buy most of mine from http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/

Free delivery world wide, and the prices for books are remarkable, compared to book prices here. Hope they help someone else out.


As for my challenge. I'm hoping to finish book 8 tonight, but no way will I finish all 9. This last book was enjoyable but took FOREVER to read! (Cry Wolf). Will update my list tomorrow.

[RogueHireling]

Michelle wrote: "I have that same Black Jewels Trilogy. Its good to know that you enjoyed it so much. I was planning on using Daughter of the Blood for part of the October challenge. I've had it for a while now, and I'm looking forward to reading it. "

You are in for a treat then Michelle.
Just a few things that would have helped me to know before delving in. The series is romance and mild romance at that, not that doesnt' detracts from it at all. =)
Also the first book is really dark. The characters are put through a bunch of really uncomfortable situations. I sort of think of the first book as a set up, an introduction, a window into understanding the characters and where they come from.
For me the first book was a struggle to get through (even though I really liked it). I'm so glad I persisted because the second and third book were so wonderful.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. =)

[Mel]

Ann wrote: "no library Mel? There are 8 branches to my local library and I just request my books and have them delivered to the closest branch.

Are you in some place where they are shutting down libraries?..."

Ann, I live in the Netherlands. So I have to rely on my local American Book Center (there are only two in Holland, one is in my home city The Hague) and ordering on line. I don't think our Dutch libraries have English UF or PNR books in stock. Hence the buying. I'm jealous of you guys!

[DarkHeart "Vehngeance"]

I don't think my final list bears much resemblance to the one I put together at the beginning of the month, but that's okay - as all books still came from friends' shelves.

Just finished the audio for Catching Fire and all I can say is - wow! I really enjoyed Hunger Games but this one was brilliant. I have no idea how long we have to wait for the final book in the trilogy, but I'm dying to know what happens next.

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Lu) 23 Sep *****
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Jan) 30 Sep *****
3. Staked by J.F. Lewis (Judi) 15 Sep ****
4. Witch Craft by Caitlin Kittedge (Lenore) 10 Sep ****
5. Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre (Shazzy) 19 Sep ****
6. Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs (Sarah) 06 Sep *****
7. Night Game by Christine Feehan (Judi) 03 Sep *****
8. Conspiracy Game by Christine Feehan (Paula) 26 Sep *****
9. Deadly Game by Christine Feehan (Shanon) 27 Sep *****

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Also read:

[FlibBityFLooB]

DarkHeart -- I loved the HUNGER GAMES books and read them for this challenge as well. I'm guessing we'll have to wait until next September for the next book? But, I don't know... It doesn't say on her website :(

[Jennie]

Finished! First time ever too! I discovered a lot of great new series and authors this month. Can't wait to start next month's challenge!

1. Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost (Yz) 09.22.2009 ****
2. Storm Born by Richelle Mead (Michelle) 09.18.2009 ****
3. Nightlife by Rob Thurman (Melissa) 09.25.2009 ****
4. Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready (Ann) 09.13.2009 ****
5. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead (Angie) 09.08.2009 ****
6. Greywalker by Kat Richardson (Amber) 09.30.2009 ***
7. Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning (Heather) 09.20.2009 *****
8. Dance With The Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Looloo) 09.03.2009 ****
9. Be Mine Tonight by Kathryn Smith (BJ Rose) 09.16.2009 ***

[DarkHeart "Vehngeance"]

FlibBityFLooB wrote: "DarkHeart -- I loved the HUNGER GAMES books and read them for this challenge as well. I'm guessing we'll have to wait until next September for the next book? But, I don't know... It doesn't say ..."

LOL, I know, I went and checked as well, but I didn't see anything about the third book. =( A fan site reckons it will be another year though. Sigh...

[Diana]

Okay, I'm definitely not going to finish - don't think I can read 2 books by midnight tonight!

1. Forbidden Magic by Cheyenne McCray (FlibBityFLooB) 9/8/09**
2. Storm Born by Richelle Mead (Mel)
3. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (Looloo) 9/9/09***
4. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Heather) 9/20/09****
5. Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning (Michelle) 9/30/09****
6. Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton (Carolyn) 9/14/09****
7. Demon Mistress by Yasmine Galenorn (Marilyn) 9/21/09***
8. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning (YZ) 9/3/09***
9. House of Cards by C.E. Murphy (Lori)

I had to finish Dreamfever because it's due back at the library on Friday. Now we'll have to wait another year to find out how it all ends...grrrr!

[Melissa]

6/9 Completed


1. Summon the Keeper by Tanya Huff (Heather's shelf)* * *
2. The Enchantment Emporium by Tanya Huff (Bonnie's shelf)*
3. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (Summer's shelf)
4. Tall, Dark & Dead by Tate Hallaway(Jodz's shelf)* * *
5. Eternal by Cynthia Leitich-Smith (Shannon's shelf)* * *
6. My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison (Terra57's shelf)* *
7. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (SusanEvans' shelf)* * * *
8. Kiss of Fury by Deborah Cooke (Teresa)
9. Kiss of Fate by Deborah Cooke (Yz)


That's all folks!
I had a really bad month this month! I was more busy than usual, but I also read some pretty bad books and that puts me off reading sometimes. Looking forward to starting my October books tomorrow!

[Vicci]

Ha! my 8 down 1 to go is not happening. I just can't get into Ghostland right now. So can I get a friend who has read "Thunderbird Falls", so I can use it as my 9th book? Otherwise, I am going to have to be 1 book short this challange.

1. Magic Bites from FlibBityFLooB (AudioBook) 9/8 (*****)
2. Forbidden Magic from Yz (Ebook) 9/28 (***1/2)
3. Magic Burns from Looloo (Audiobook) 9/13(*****)
4. Urban Shaman from Sandy (Audiobook) 9/18(***1/2)
5. Blue Bloods from Lucy (AudioBook) 9/5(***1/2)
6. Undead and Unwelcome from Melissa(AudioBook) 9/2(***)
7. Dead and Gone from Cherra (AudioBook)9/26 (***1/2)
8. Ghostland from Amber (Ebook)
9. Magic Strikes from Shazzy (Audiobook) 9/15(*****)



Also Read:

Thunderbird Falls by C. E. Murphy

[Wendy]

8 of 9 complete

1. The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter from Felicity 09/02
2.Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands from Jael
3.Awaken Me Darkly by Gena Showalter from Shawna
4.Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands from Holly
5.The Vampire's Secret By Raven Hart from Cindy G
6.The Eternal Highlander By Hannah Howell&Lynsay Sands from Dreamer
7.City of Bones by Cassandra Clare from Tm
8.Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank from Tm
9.Some Girls Bite A Chicagoland Vampires Novel by Chloe Neill from Sue


I didn't make it, but 8 out of 9 isn't too bad. It was alot of fun.

[Wendy]

Michelle M. wrote: "Wendy, he seems more developed than a lot of the characters, particularly in Destined. And he's got maturity and mystique going for him. I just loved the sleepover, but I felt sad for him as he see..."

I know what you mean. When he just wanted to be near her and just hold her, it was very touching. It let you see the depth of his pain. That's something he doesn't show outwardly. I don't like Mencheres, maybe Vlad will kick his uppity behind. LOL

[Shannon]

Whoohooo, I'm Finished!-09/30/09

1. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong (Paige) --Read 9/28
2. Elizabeth's Wolf by Lora Leigh (Stephanie) --Read 9/7
3. The Man Within by Lora Leigh (Carla) --Read 9/4
4. Elijah by Jacquelyn Frank (Looloo) --Read 9/19
5. The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter (Felicity) --Read 9/30
6. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (Ann) --Read 9/25
7. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Tonya) --Read 9/18
8. Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd (YZ) -- Read 9/14
9. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris (Melissa) --Read 9/15

Also Read this Month:

*Bite by MaryJanice Davidson, Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Angela Knight, Vickie Taylor --Read 9/2
*Kiss of Heat By Lora Leigh --Read 9/8
*Soul Deep By Lora Leigh --Read 9/8
*Damien By Jacquelyn Frank --Read 9/22
*Must Love Hellhounds By Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook, Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh --Read 9/3 *The Breed Next Door (E-Book) by Lora Leigh --Read 9/9

[[deleted user]]

That's it for me this month. Only 8 books :(
Looking forward to starting the new month challenge.


1. (Melissa's bookshelf) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare 09/02 ***
2. (Amber's bookshelf) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare 09/03 ****
3. (Shazzy's bookshelf) City of Glass by Cassandra Clare 09/07 ****
4. (Michelle's bookshelf) One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost 09/11 *** 1/2
5. (Michelle M's bookshelf)Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost 09/12 ****
6. (Ann's bookshelf) At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost 09/13 ****
7. (FlibBityFLooB's bookshelf) Destined for an Early Graveby Jeaniene Frost 09/16 ****
8. Kelly's bookshelf)Cry Wolf 09/30 ***
9. (Jessica's bookshelf) Hunting Ground


[image error] [image error]

[Vicci]

Hooray! I'm done 9/9. Thanks to my new friend, Kelli Sako.

8. Switched out "Ghostland" from Amber to "Thunderbird Falls" from Kelli


1. Magic Bites from FlibBityFLooB (AudioBook) 9/8 (*****)
2. Forbidden Magic from Yz (Ebook) 9/28 (***1/2)
3. Magic Burns from Looloo (Audiobook) 9/13(*****)
4. Urban Shaman from Sandy (Audiobook) 9/18(***1/2)
5. Blue Bloods from Lucy (AudioBook) 9/5(***1/2)
6. Undead and Unwelcome from Melissa(AudioBook) 9/2(***)
7. Dead and Gone from Cherra (AudioBook)9/26 (***1/2)
8. Thunderbird Falls from Kelli (Audiobook)9/23 (***)
9. Magic Strikes from Shazzy (Audiobook) 9/15(*****)

[Yz the Whyz]

PNR September Challenge List
(Reading with Friends Challenge)

1. Skin Trade by Laurell K. Hamilton (Jess) 9/29
2. Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder (Kelley Anne) 9/10
3. Damsel Under Stress A Novel by Shanna Swendson (Gail) 9/26
4. Just One Sip by Katie MacAlister (Ann) 9/15
5. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh (Shawna) 9/6
6. Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione (Kenjii)
7. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs (Lori)
8. Succubus On Top by Richelle Mead (Jan)
9. Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong (Sheree)

Well, I knew my reading time will be pretty short this month, and probably the coming months, but I'm cool with five. It was actually more than I expected.

[Shannon]

I'm not going to be able to finish anything in the next hour and a half, so this is my final total.

TOTAL FOR THE MONTH: 4/9 READ : (

1. Jen's Shelf: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
2. Shanon's Shelf: Storm Born by Richelle Mead - 9/4 - ★ ★ ★ ★
3. Jan's Shelf: Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead
4. Winnie's Shelf: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs - 9/12 - ★ ★ ★ ★
5. Jessi's Shelf: Stray by Rachel Vincent - 9/21 - ★ ★
6. DarkHeart's Shelf: Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
7. Jessa Slade's Shelf: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater- 9/15 - ★ ★ ★ ★
8. Jess's Shelf: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
9. Felicia's Shelf: Chill Factor by Rachel Caine

READ
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UNREAD
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ALSO READ
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Between school and work I just didn't have much time this month for reading. Kind of makes me depressed. : (

[The Flooze]

8/9

1. Eyes Like Stars / Shannon
2. Destined for an Early Grave, Jeaniene Frost / Her Majesty Mel ***1/2
3. Fish Out of Water, MJD / Anne ****
4. Red-Headed Stepchild, Jaye Wells / Shazzy ***1/2
5. My Soul to Take, Rachel Vincent / Amanda ****
6. Dead Sexy, Tate Halloway / Ann ***
7. Glory in Death, JD Robb / Aussie Mel ****
8. Faeries Gone Wild, MJD, et al / Rhianna***1/2
9. Dark Lover, JR Ward / Stav ***

Also read:
The Vicious Vet, M.C. Beaton ****

8 out of 9 isn't too bad, I suppose!

Faeries Gone Wild is one of the better anthologies I've come across. Two of the stories were really amusing, one was cute, and one was meandering though not bad. Out of the four, I most enjoyed MJD's and Hauf's contributions. Premature dusting...lol.

[Jacalyn]

Hey everyone,

Sorry I wasn't able to come and chat during the challenge. It was all I could do to get the challenge done with everything else. Start of school is a very busy time with homeschooling as well as managing foreign exchange students. Not helped much by having mega drama out of two students. Ok, well one student drama and one host family drama!

So I just didn't have a lot of time to get on goodreads just to hang out. Here's my finished list:

1. A taste of Magic by Tracy Madison - Ann
2. Mommy by Mistake by Rowan Coleman - Ann
3. Swapping Lives by Jane Green - Lisa Steinke and Kellie Rose
4. Wizards at War by Diane Duane - Victoria
5. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin - Nita, David Ozzy, Beverly, Jen Dent
6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Josie, Tonya, Michelle, Diane, Beverly (17 in total)
7. FlashForward by Robert J. Sawyer - Robyn
8. Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith - Angie, Lady Gemini, Kristen

I chose 7 and 8 more because of the new shows starting on TV. They are two shows I actually managed to find time to watch the pilots of. LOL

I did finish:

9. Empire by Orson Scott Card - I needed an audiobook for all my driving and I chose it because it sounded great and I figured it's Scott! Surely someone on my Flist would have it. Got to the end of it and realized - Um no. CRAP! I tried to friend someone in a panic last night and then goodreads went down! *SIGH* So I finished 9 books, but not with this challenge.

Unless you want to count:
10. Story of the Walnut Tree by Don H. Staheli - Robyn

Which is really more of a picture book but I enjoy it and read it with my family just about every year. :) Kind of a cheat, but seriously? How could a book that's 3 years old by Orson Scott Card not be on any of my Flist???? Especially one as timely as a Red Vs Blue 2nd American Civil War????? (I <3 the Pod Monsters invading NYC!)

My two fave books were Empire and FlashForward. HAHA I know the secret of what happened!!!!! :) (Actually was very timely which is amazing for a book written in 1999.) My close third was The Alchemist. All three of those books went above and beyond their premise to give a lot of food for thought. They'd be great discussion group books.

Now, to figure out October. A month where I *think* I might actually have time to semi-particpate! I dunno, we'll see how naughty the exchange students are!

[Jennifer]

Shannon wrote: "I'm not going to be able to finish anything in the next hour and a half, so this is my final total.

TOTAL FOR THE MONTH: 4/9 READ : (

1. Jen's Shelf: The Time Traveler's Wife by [au..."

I am surprised that you only read 2 books outside of the challenge!! It must have been a rough month.

[Shannon]

Jennifer wrote: "I am surprised that you only read 2 books outside of the challenge!! It must have been a rough month."

Ugh, it was a crappy month, that's for sure! Stupid homework ... grumble grumble

[Mel W]

Final Update!

We had 67 readers participant in the challenge.

Shazzy - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Michelle M - 8 books read
Melissa - 6 books read
Michelle in TN - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Ann in VA - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Shannon - 4 books read
Jo - 3 books read
Amber
Looloo - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Angie - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Tonya
Lucy - 8 books read
Jennie - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
FlibBityFLoob - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Wendy - 8 books read
Amanda
Josie - 8 books read
Kelly - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Mel W (me) - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
DarkHeart - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
K - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Sandy - 7 books read
Felicity - 5 books read
Chris - 4 books read
Nita - 6 books read
Shanna - 9 book read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Valerie - 8 books read
Linda Grace - 2 books read
Evangeline
Cherra - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Jessica - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Lori - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Barbara - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Shannon - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Yz - 5 books read
BJ Rose - 8 books read
Amelia - 7 books read
Token Female Gamer - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Tricia - 2 books read
Kristel - 8 books read
Nichole - 4 books read
Jael - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Tammy - 8 books read
Lady Ozma - 8 books read
Amy - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Mel - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Marilyn
Jan - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Diana - 7 books read
Emoore0916
Vicci - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Heather - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Corrupt
Missk2u
Sam - 1 book read
Lu - 4 books read
Trish - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Jennifer - 6 books read
Sarahy
BrandyS - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Cathy - 7 books read
Carla
Samantha - 5 books read
Sarah - 2 books read
Kelli - 9 books read - Challenge complete! Congratulations!
Annvelwis - 8 books read
Assirahc - 4 (?) books read

Group's total of books read: 414

27 participants completed all nine categories of the challenge.

Congratulations everyone!!

[Ann aka Iftcan]

total books read this year for these challenges--2428. Yay us. :o)

[Valerie]

So sorry, I know you have done the final tally already. I couldn't find my original post so I thought I had forgotten to sign-up. It has been that kind of month. I finished eight on my list and read two others.





1. Heather Jones: Chosen by P.C. Cast 09/15/09
2. Jan Lewis: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
3. K: Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs 09/27/09
4. Nita: The Magicians by Lev Grossman 09/07/09
5. Michelle: Dreamfever Karen Marie Moning 09/18/09
6. Shazzy: Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson 09/21/09
7. FlibBityFLooB: Undead and Uneasy by MaryJanice Davidson 09/09/09
8. BJ Rose: Rebel Angels by Libba Bray 09/14/09
9. Yz: Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts 09/19/09

Other books read:

[Jacalyn]

Good job!

[Kelly]

I did finish, just didn't update:

1) Eclipse-Steph
2) Breaking Dawn-Deanna
3) Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night- Sarah
4) Darkest Pleasure-Laurie
5) A Hunger Like No Other-Uniquely Moi
6) The Host- Cindy G
7) Heart of Fire-Mel W
8) Dark Needs at Night's Edge-Amanda
9) Love at first bite-Miranda

[Samantha]

I didn't make UGH! lol

[Mel W]

Hey, no problems, Valerie and Kelly - have edited final update for you :)

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Mel--could you send me a post with what the updated count is? So that I can correct the year-to-date totals for our little group. Or just post it here?

[Mel W]

Ann wrote: "Mel--could you send me a post with what the updated count is? So that I can correct the year-to-date totals for our little group. Or just post it here?
"

Ann, total books read for September = 410 - is that what you are after?

[Ann aka Iftcan]

yes, thanks Mel. that takes the YTD total to 2436 just in challenge books alone for our group.