Aussie Author Challenge 2015

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Congratulations Carolyn, well done!! :))
Nothing under three stars and most in the 4's and upwards, good reads eh? ;)

[Carolyn]

Phrynne wrote: "Wow Carolyn! What an achievement:) Now I know where to come for ideas for Aussie authors!!!"

I love these challenges because I discover so many excellent Aussie authors through doing them. This year I also discovered a whole new genre that I enjoy - true crime and read four excellent books.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Oh that's great Carolyn! It's so satisfying when that happens:)

[Carolyn]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Congratulations Carolyn, well done!! :))
Nothing under three stars and most in the 4's and upwards, good reads eh? ;)"

I think I must be getting better at picking books, even the 3 star books were pretty good.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Carolyn wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Wow Carolyn! What an achievement:) Now I know where to come for ideas for Aussie authors!!!"

I love these challenges because I discover so many excellent Aussie authors through doi..."

We have some amazingly diverse authors here in Aus don't we? It's really exciting to see them all coming out, and I love having the opportunity to read such great talent.

[Sally906]

Carolyn wrote: "That's it! It's taken all year but I've finally finished this challenge with my last read in the Romance genre Band of Gold by Maggie Christensen 3.5★

review:http..."

Cor blimey!!!! There are Aussie authors there I have never heard of - especially in the Sci Fi and YA genres - Have made notes!!!

[Kathryn]

Carolyn wrote: "That's it! It's taken all year but I've finally finished this challenge with my last read in the Romance genre Band of Gold by Maggie Christensen 3.5★ ..."


Great list, Carolyn - you've read some that are still on my TBR - maybe I'll get to them this year.

I read Promise this year as well - did you realise you've listed it twice? Under crime and suspense? I think you liked it a bit more than I did! Are you intending to read Dead Girl Sing? I have it here, so I probably will, but I think Tony Cavanaugh is a bit more gritty than I like.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well picked up Kathryn:)

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Well picked up Kathryn:)"

Not that is really matters - Carolyn has read above and beyond even the out of control level!! I only noticed because I'd recently read it!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

:)

[Leonie]

Amazing, Carolyn!

[Carolyn]

Kathryn wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "That's it! It's taken all year but I've finally finished this challenge with my last read in the Romance genre Band of Gold by Maggie Christensen 3...."

Well spotted Kathryn! I had moved Promise from Suspense to Crime and replaced it with the excellent A Time to Run, just forgot to update the list. Have fixed it now. The distinctions between those two genres are a bit blurry! I would like to read more Tony Cavanaugh, maybe in next year's challenge!

[Carolyn]

Leonie wrote: "Amazing, Carolyn!"

Thanks Leonie! Some amazing Aussie writers out there. You're in good company!

[Kathryn]

Carolyn wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "That's it! It's taken all year but I've finally finished this challenge with my last read in the Romance genre Band of Gold by [author:Maggie Christe..."

Yes - they borders between the two are very blurry at times! I did wonder whether you'd made a change and forgotten to put the replacement book in!

[Carolyn]

Kathryn wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "That's it! It's taken all year but I've finally finished this challenge with my last read in the Romance genre Band of Gold by [autho..."

It got hard to keep track of them all at one stage!

[Nicola]

Have finished another 2 (leaving only 3 to go!)
Crime
Cocaine Blues / Kerry Greenwood
Non-Fiction
Out of the Mists: The Hidden History of Elizabeth Jessie Hickman / Di Moore
and 1/2 way through the next one....

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing very well Nicola!!

[Kira]

I have one more to go. It's available at the library. I will try and snag it tomorrow or put it on hold if it's gone before I get there. Then I'll update my list once I'm done. I'm surprised. I thought I had more to read.

[Nicola]

2 left now this one is finished!
Mary Poppins / P.L. Travers

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks like you'll finish easily Nicola!

[Nicola]

Brenda wrote: "Looks like you'll finish easily Nicola!"

Yes - held back on these ones as they fitted the summer challenge as well!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ahh good thinking:)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Finished last night with the excellent Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart :)

Laid Back level:

1. Thriller .....................Can You Keep a Secret? by Caroline Overington. 3.5★
2. Young Adult ............Saving Wishes by G.J. Walker-Smith .......... 4★s
3. New Adult ...............Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. 5★s
4. Historical Fiction ... The Silk Thief by Deborah Challinor 5★s.
5. Contemporary ........The Secrets in Silence by Nicole Trope 4★s
6. Non Fiction .............Last Woman Hanged by Caroline Overington. 5★s
7. Mystery ...................Sleight Malice by Vicki Tyley 5★s
8. Crime ......................Tell Me Why Sandi Wallace 4★s
9. Literary Fiction .......When the Night Comes by Favel Parrett 4★s
10. Romance ...............The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. 5★s
11. Fantasy ..................Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart 5★s
12. Suspense ...............Already Dead by Jaye Ford4★s

[MaryG2E]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Finished last night with the excellent Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart :)

Laid Back level:

1. Thriller .....................[book:Can You Keep a Secr..."

Great work! Congratulations and enjoy that feeling of satisfaction that you've knocked off yet another Aussie Readers challenge.

[Carolyn]

Well done Jools!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Jools! Great effort:)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Thanks :) this was very easy for me as I was doing my own aussie author challenge anyway so win win ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You still achieved a lot!!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda wrote: "You still achieved a lot!!"

Lol...still going Brenda, I've got a few quick ones on the go to try and finish on a nice even 50 for my Australian Women Writers challenge...so much fun :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

It is fun, isn't it:)

[Leonie]

Well done!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Thanks Leonie, you're up soon in my Summer challenge :)

[Leonie]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Thanks Leonie, you're up soon in my Summer challenge :)"

:)

[Mish]

Unfortunately, I didn't finish the challenge but had fun trying. Here is my final list

TO READ
> Fantasy - The Beast Within
> Science Fiction - The Rook


COMPLETED: 10/12

1 - Non Fiction - This House of Grief 5 Stars - Review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2 - YA - Laurinda 5 Stars - Review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3 - Short Stories - The Promise 4 Stars - Review : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4 - Women's Fiction - The Secret Keeper 3 Stars - Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

5 - Mystery - Fetish - 3 Stars - Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

6 - Historical Fiction - Burial Rites - 5 Stars - Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

7 - Crime - The Holiday Murders - 4 Stars - Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

8 - Fiction - Of A Boy - 5 Stars - Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

9 - Romance - The Rosie Project - 2 Stars - Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

10 - Adventure - Flying Too High - 4 Stars - Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Mish! You read some great books, and I'm sure you can slot those two in 2016's challenge:)

[Mish]

Thanks to you, Michael, Sally and Phrynne for a wonderful challenge :) it was great fun!

Yes, I hope to be able to slot them in. I'm jotting down my 2016 book list as we speak.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it too:)

[Lynxie]

I won't finish between now and the end of 2015. So here's my list as it stands. I might get one more Aussie book read, but it won't complete the list... so yeah.

1. Contemporary: Breath by Tim Winton
Meant To Be by Fiona McCallum
Sacred Striptease by Tahlia Newland

2. Paranormal: The Blood Countess by Tara Moss
Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near
Koven by Vanessa Skye

3. Historical Romance: Lord Somerton's Heir by Alison Stuart
Capturing the Pirate's Heart by Annie Seaton
The Secret Years by Barbara Hannay

4. Romance/Erotic: Love, Desire and Betrayal by Margaret Lynette Sharp
Shameless Exposure by Robert Fanshaw

5. Mystery: Assassin by Tara Moss
Poisoned Waters by Ermisenda Alvarez
The Lost Swimmer by Ann Turner
Revolution Earth by Lambert Nagle

6. Urban Fantasy: Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur
Night's Cold Kiss by Tracey O'Hara

7. Science Fiction Fire Country by David Estes
The Sun Dwellers by David Estes
A Town Called Dust by Justin Woolley

8. Historical Fiction: Four Fires by Bryce Courtenay
Jessica by Bryce Courtenay
Captive Prince: Volume One by C.S. Pacat
Captive Prince: Volume Two by C.S. Pacat

9. Fantasy: White Tiger by Kylie Chan
Sorrow's Child by Georgina Anne Taylor
The Narrowing Path by David J. Normoyle
The Stone Gate by Mark Mann

10. Non-fiction: April Fool's Day by Bryce Courtenay
From the Feet Up by Tanya Saad

11. Young Adult: The Book of Lies by James Moloney
Demon's Grip by Tahlia Newland
The Bellamy Bird by Clare Havens

12. New Adult: Saving Wishes by G.J. Walker-Smith
Finding Home by Lauren K. McKellar

It does mean I have plenty to pick from for the 2016 Aussie Author challenge though :)

[Veronica ⭐️]

I've finished this challenge with a few days to spare :)

My list
1.Young Adult
Divided by M.J. Stevens
Isla's Oath by Cassandra Page
2.Romance
The Chocolate Promise by Josephine Moon
Jilted by Rachael Johns
3.Contemporary Fiction
Season of Shadow and Light by Jenn J. McLeod
Leap of Faith by Fiona McCallum
4.Suspense /Thriller
White Gold by Rachel Amphlett
The Recipient by Dean Mayes
5.Fantasy
The Bloodstone Key by Jenni Boyd
Altaica by Tracy M. Joyce
6.Childrens
Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot: Adventures of Molly Mavis Gumnut by Patricia Puddle
Thirteen by James Phelan
7.Mystery
The Lost Swimmer by Ann Turner
Look Closer by Rachel Amphlett
8.Historical Fiction
Triangle Trade byGeoff Woodland
Wild Wood by Posie Graeme-Evans
9.Science Fiction
The Gardener Who Could See by John Jetty
The Heir by Lynne Stringer
10.Romantic Suspense
Outback Fever by Suzanne Brandyn
Mistake Creek by Rachel Amphlett
11.Crime
The Spy by James Phelan
The Hunted by James Phelan
12.Chick Lit
Nanny Confidential by Philippa Christian
She's Having Her Baby by Lauren Sams

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Veronica!

[Odette]

Took a while and some changes along the way to complete this challenge at the laid back level.

1. Historical Fiction:
The Lake House by Kate Morton - 5★
2. Paranormal:
Heaven is a Place on Earth by Graham Storrs 3★
3. Crime:
The Celtic Dagger by Jill Paterson -3 ★
4. Rural Fiction:
Redstone Station by Therese Creed - 3★
5. Fantasy:
Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart - 4★
6. War:
After Darkness by Christine Piper - 4★
7. Biography:
One Life: My Mother's Story by Kate Grenville - 4.5★
8. Debut Novel:
The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham - 2.5★
9. Contemporary:
Rain Music by Di Morrissey - 4★
10. Literary Fiction:
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman - 5★
11. Short Stories:
Friends, Family and Other Strangers From Downunder by Liza Perrat - 3★
12. Classic:
The Getting of Wisdom by Henry Handel Richardson - 4★

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Lovely work Veronica and Odette:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Odette!

[Sally906]

Congratulations Veronica and Odette :)

[Odette]

Brenda wrote: "Well done Odette!"
Thanks. Next time will keep updating my original post (keep a note of the message number) and then re-post when completed?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yes that's the way I do it:) Makes it much easier!

[Nicola]

Finished! 37 books all told (2 novellas to make one novel!)
Great Challenge with loads of new authors and genres!
Out of Control
Action/Adventure (3/3)
The Great Zoo of China / Matthew Reilly
Lost In Kakadu / Kendall Talbot
Troll Mountain: The Complete Novel / Matthew Reilly
Crime (3/3)
Life or Death / Michael Robotham
Cocaine Blues / Kerry Greenwood
The Broken Shore / Peter Temple
Fantasy (3/3)
The Spirit of Imagination / S.A. Tawks
The Spirit of Pessimism / S.A. Tawks
The Goblin King / Shona Husk
Daughter Of The Forest / Juliet Marillier
Classic/Cultural (3/3)
The Other Side of the World / Stephanie Bishop
Dry Crossing / Russell Guy
The Golden Age / Joan London
Biography (3/3)
Run For Your Life : A Memoir / Jill Jolliffe
Cheshire V.C. / Russell Braddon
Boganaire: The Rise and Fall of Nathan Tinkler / Paddy Manning
Non-Fiction (3/3)
Out of the Mists: The Hidden History of Elizabeth Jessie Hickman / Di Moore
That Dangerous and Persuasive Woman: Vida Goldstein / Janette M. Bomford
Certain Admissions: A Beach, a Body and a Lifetime of Secrets / Gideon Haigh
YA (3/3)
Heir to Sevenwaters / Juliet Marillier
Blood / Tony Birch
Seer of Sevenwaters / Juliet Marillier
Historical (3/3)
The Song of Troy / Colleen McCullough
The Last Rose Of Summer / Di Morrissey
The Russian Tapestry / Banafsheh Serov
Childrens (3/3)
Mary Poppins / P.L. Travers
Seven Little Australians and the Family at Misrule (the Sequel to Seven Little Australians) Illustrated / Ethel Turner
Little Fur / Isobelle Carmody
Alternate fiction (3/3)
Dave vs. the Monsters: Emergence (David Hooper 1) / John Birmingham helicopter
Dave vs. the Monsters: Resistance / John Birmingham
Dave vs. the Monsters: Ascendance (David Hooper): 3 / John Birmingham
Science Fiction (3/3)
The Book of Strange New Things / Michel Faber
TimeStorm / Steve Harrison
Eden, Dawn / Archer Swift
12 Debut (3/3)
King of the Road / Nigel Bartlett
Prime Cut / Alan Carter
The Bark Cutters / Nicole Alexander

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Fantastic Nicola!!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Nicola!! Great effort:)

[Nicola]

Phrynne wrote: "Fantastic Nicola!!!!"

Thank you - so interesting...