The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SSS Archives♦
>
R12: SSS Team 3 - The Dewey Decimators
Completion PostWeek 4 - spot 23
A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews
5 stars
10/9/20
# 3 in series
This is book 3 in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. It features Alex, who left the group at age 12. In addition to the love story between him and Laura Hayes, the book covers the story of what happened to Alex to cause him to flee the orphanage, and his re-uniting with his childhood friends/family. The narration by Alex Wyndham is excellent. I am very much looking forward to listening to the conclusion of this series.
LibraryIs your post in message 101 correct? Should that be week 4 spot 23?
Susan A wrote: "LibraryIs your post in message 101 correct? Should that be week 4 spot 23?"
Yes, I have no idea why I put that, I'm sorry. I'll fix it.
Hey team! I've spent the day celebrating my nephew's 13th birthday, and I haven't quite finished my book. I'm exhausted, so I'm headed to bed. I'll get it finished up in the morning, I promise.
Week 4, Thursday RollSelection Post; Spot: 23
Book: Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
Qualification: #3 in Play by Play
Week 4, Thursday RollSpot: 23
Book: Dirty Girls on Top by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez
Pages: 336
Qualification: #2 in Dirty Girls
Finished: 10/11/2020
Rating: 3 stars
Review: A follow-up on the lives of las sucias (the dirty girls) as they are navigating their 30s (which means babies, and growing apart from their partners, and fearing they're missing something). I really enjoyed the first book in the series, which I read almost 15 years ago, but this one felt like a let-down. There were moments where I rooted for the characters, and there was growth, but overall, I didn't like who most of the characters had become. They seemed like they had fallen into negative stereotypes of themselves, and it was hard to care what would happen. It ended up being just an okay book for me.
Week 4, Thursday Roll Team Reviews PostSpot: 23
Library: A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden (Hope and Glory #2: Post 101)
Susan A: A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews (Parish Orphans of Devon #3: Post 102)
Suzanne: Free Pass
Theo: Dirty Girls on Top by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (Dirty Girls #2: Post 107)
I messaged Suzanne a couple of hours ago. I'll stay up and if she doesn't post before midnight, we'll use our free pass.
Mod
Just got my roll posted to the thread! The internet was being wonky, so hopefully it still counts, and we can use our free pass to read for this roll!
Week 4, Sunday RollRoll: 5
Spot: 28
You can read a #2, #8, or #28 in a series or you can read a book with an author that uses their middle name or initial.
Mod
Completion PostWeek 4, Sunday Roll
Spot 28
Holmes by Anna Hackett
3 stars
10/12/20
Hell Squad #8
In the series Hell Squad, Earth has been invaded and taken over by aliens that look like dinosaurs. A group of humans is fighting to survive. Each book in the series features a different couple with a continuing storyline. Book 8 features General Adam Holmes, the stoic, lonely leader and Liberty, good time party girl. The books are fast, easy, silly reads. Like B movies -- if you don't take it seriously, it can be fun.
Week 4, Thursday RollSelection Post; Spot: 23
Book: Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
Qualification: #3 in Play by Play
Date: 10/11/2020
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I think the author hit her stride with this book, enjoyed this book very much! It was nice to see some interaction with characters from the previous books as well!
Denise wrote: "Go ahead, since you're using the free pass. Wonky internet around deadlines is always fun..."Thanks, Denise!
Just a reminder for everyone:We used our free pass for this roll, which means no more back ups. The goal is to finish your books the day before the roll (Wednesday and Saturday), so that we can roll as soon as possible. If you won't be finished the day before, please check in to let us know.
Thanks!
Week 4, Sunday RollSelection Post
Spot: 28
Book: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
Qualification: #2 in Simonverse
Week 4, Sunday RollSelection Post; Spot: 28
Book: Stealing Tranquility by J.L. Weil
Qualification: Author that uses their middle name or initial
Week 4, Sunday RollSpot: 28
Book: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
Pages: 336
Qualification: #2 in Simonverse
Finished: 10/13/2020
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Molly is the queen of crushing on guys that will never like her back. It's better to like them from afar than to risk broken hearts. But when her twin sister gets a serious girlfriend, Molly makes the decision to stop being so careful. This was an insightful novel that took me back to feelings that I had in high school. It was funny and emotional. I also liked how normal diversity was in the book, and the celebration of Obergefell v. Hodges.
Week 4, Sunday RollSelection Post; Spot: 28
Book: Stealing Tranquility by J.L. Weil
Pages: 180
Qualification: Author that uses their middle name or initial
Finished: 10/14/2020
Rating: ***
Review: This book was ok, but it wasn't great. There was a reason why it was free on Kindle. It was kinda superficial and it didn't really hold my interest.
I'm off to bed. I'll roll when I wake up in the morning, if all the reviews are posted. Good night everyone!
Week 4, Sunday RollSelection Post; Spot: 28
336 pages
10/14/20
3 stars
How it Works: Author uses middle name
This was not the best of this author's books. For some reason, her series is great, but her standalones just don't work for me. I guessed the big plot twist in this one, and she tried too hard to make her character quirky.
Week 5, Thursday RollRoll: 4
Spot: 32
You can read a #2, #3, or #32 in a series or you can read a book set in a fictional location/universe.
Week 4, Sunday Roll Team Reviews PostSpot: 28
Library: Relative Silence by Carrie Stuart Parks (Alternate (Author Middle Name): Post 124)
Susan A: Holmes by Anna Hackett (Hell Squad #8: Post 115)
Suzanne: Stealing Tranquility by J.L. Weil (Alternate (Author Middle Name): Post 122)
Theo: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli (Simonverse #2: Post 121)
Week 5, Thursday RollSpot 32, Completion Post
218 pages
3 stars
How it Works: Set in a fictional alternate universe (mostly. Also set in fictional New England town. I double checked by searching for it, it doesn't exist).
Well, that was creepy. (Although not as creepy as Coraline, which I read a few weeks ago). I think some of the creep factor is because of the extremely creepy 2 parter Doctor Who episode, with the scarecrows. A lot of the same vibes in this. If you're looking for something spooky to read for this time of year, this is not a bad one.
Selection PostWeek 5, THursday Roll
Spot 32
How to Elude a Vampire by Alice Winters
336 pages
VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #2
Completion PostWeek 5, Thursday Roll
Spot 32
How to Elude a Vampire by Alice Winters
VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #2
10/16/20
4 stars
Ridiculous, funny, snarky, and just a good time. However, I've come to realize that I much prefer listening to Alice Winters' books. I read this one, and I really wish I had just bought the audiobook. They are more fun. My one complaint about this books: I'm not a dog person. There was WAY too much time spent on the dogs. I did a search because I wanted to see if I was blowing it out of proportion. Dog, Artemus/Artie, Hela showed up 291 times.
Selection PostWeek 5, THursday Roll
Spot 32
White Trash Zombie Apocalypse by Diana Rowland
320 Pages
VRC: White Trash Zombie #3
Completion PostWeek 5, THursday Roll
Spot 32
White Trash Zombie Apocalypse by Diana Rowland
320 Pages
VRC: White Trash Zombie #3
10/17/2020
5 Stars
This series is really good! It's very similar to the tv show iZombie but better.
Hey Suzanne! Could you add a sentence or two to your review? The rules state that reviews have to be at least 3 sentences. Thanks!
Week 5, Thursday RollSpot: 32
Book: Scumble by Ingrid Law
Pages: 300
Qualification: #2 in Savvy
Finished: 10/18/2020
Rating: 4 stars
Review: In a follow-up to her Newbery honor Savvy, Ingrid Law fast forwards a few years. Mibs, the first book's protagonist is now grown, but her younger cousin, Ledge, has just turned 13 and is dealing with his savvy, a unique superpower that family members acquire around that age. Some savvies are more destructive than others, and Ledge's is one that can cause some serious damage, so he must learn to scumble, or control his ability. Like the first in the series, this one is filled with interesting characters and a fun, tall-tale writing style.
Week 5, Thursday Roll Team Reviews PostSpot: 32
Library: Small Spaces by Katherine Arden (Alternate (Fictional Setting): Post 127)
Susan A: How to Elude a Vampire by Alice Winters (VRC Vampire Related Crimes #2: Post 129)
Suzanne: White Trash Zombie Apocalypse by Diana Rowland (White Trash Zombie #3: Post 132)
Theo: Scumble by Ingrid Law (Savvy #2: Post 134)
Week 5, Sunday RollRoll: 6
Spot: 38
You can read a #3, #8, or #38 in a series or you can read a book that was originally published in a language other than English.
Week 5, Sunday RollSelection Post
Spot: 38
Book: Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
Qualification: #3 in Finishing School
Completion PostWeek 5, Sunday Roll
Spot 38
The Last by Tawna Fenske
#3 The List
178 pgs
10/19/20
3 stars.
Hmm...I guess I'll say this wasn't a good fit for me. Sarah & Ian were good buddies in college, but Ian dropped out after the death of his brother. They've exchanged birthday texts, but haven't seen each other since college, so ten years. (Here's problem number one...they are such a perfect fit, such good friends...but ...your friend's younger brother dies and that's it? You don't see him for 10 years?) Anyway, 10 years later and they remember that they made a pact to marry at 30 if they were both still single. This was the story I expected. What I didn't expect was Ian's hang up -- I can't possibly love anyone every again because my parents got divorced and my brother died. I hate this trope. If it had been mentioned in the blurb I would have steered clear of this book.
So, bits of the book were entertaining but I found Ian's hang up annoying.
Also, I have no idea why the title is The Last.
Completion PostWeek 5, Spot 38
192 pages
2 stars
How it Works: #3 in a the series
This had some cute bits, but was ultimately sorta boring. A couple of times I actually wonder where Jessie was, because she wasn't included in the description of the scene, and then she would randomly speak. This one can be skipped.
Week 5, Sunday RollSelection Post, Spot: 38
Book: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
Page numbers with source: 1,072
How book qualified: Book #3 in Outlander Series
Week 5, Sunday RollCompletion Post, Spot: 38
Book: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
Page numbers with source: 1,072
How book qualified: Book #3 in Outlander Series
Date Completed: 2020/10/20
Rating: *****
Review: I flew through this book, my favorite scene is when they reconnect. I tagged my paper copy so I can go back and reread it again. I don't want spoilers in here, so I'll just say it was fantastic!
Week 5, Sunday RollSpot: 38
Book: Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
Pages: 298
Qualification: #3 in Finishing School
Finished: 10/21/2020
Rating: 4 stars
Review: As always, this series is clever and adorable. I really enjoy this steampunk, supernatural world that Gail Carriger has created and seeing how all the series set in this world overlap is especially fun! I loved that we got to see quite a bit of background on the Kingair pack that was discussed in the related series (that I loved!) The Parasol Protectorate. Sophronia can't help but find herself in the midst of all the plots and political machinations, but her training at Madame Geraldine's has her prepared.
Week 5, Sunday Roll Team Reviews PostSpot: 38
Library: The Yellow House Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner (The Boxcar Children #3: Post 140)
Susan A: The Last by Tawna Fenske (The List #3: Post 139)
Suzanne: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander #3: Post 142)
Theo: Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger (Finishing School #3: Post 143)
Great reading everyone! I'll roll first thing tomorrow morning (for me).
I'm late and a terrible roller! Sorry team!Week 6, Thursday Roll
Roll: 1
Spot: 39
You can read a #3, #9, or #39 in a series or you can read a book set at a school, college, or university.
Completion PostWeek 6, Thursday Roll
Spot 39
When She Purrs by Ruby Dixon
#3 Risdaverse
10/22/20
3.5 stars
I love an easy, uncomplicated sci-fi romance. There's enough world building to be interesting, but not so much that this requires actual brain power. I liked these characters. Secondary Bethiah is one of my favorite secondary characters ever! The sex scenes were hot, but a little bit too numerous.
Completion PostWeek 6, Thursday Roll, Spot 39
10/24/20
3 stars
How it Works: #9 in the series.
This wasn't much of a mystery at all, but was still one of the better books in the series. There was actually a scary moment even, which was surprising. And then a family coming back together, which was lovely.
Hi Library! Can you verify your page count? The linked edition only has 128 pages, which doesn't meet the minimum 140 pages requirement.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Old Demon and the Sea Witch (other topics)Old Demon and the Sea Witch (other topics)
A Royal Christmas Cruise (other topics)
Savannah Blues (other topics)
Skipping Christmas (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Eve Langlais (other topics)Eve Langlais (other topics)
John Grisham (other topics)
Mary Kay Andrews (other topics)
Max Walker (other topics)
More...
Week 4 - Spot 23
4 stars
356 pages
How it Works: #2 in series
Not as good as the first one, which was one of my favorite books last year. This one covered the McKinley assassination, which isn't talked about that often, so that was pretty cool. My main problem with the book is that the love interests didn't really seem to have any connection at all, it was very boring. I am planning on reading the 3rd one, though, because I like the Luke.