Anne's 2022 Reading Challenge

[Anne]

I picked the next book(s) by several science fiction and fantasy authors I enjoy. It's not a particularly challenging list, but that's okay with me.

1. The Queen's Bargain 12/3, 4.25*
2. The Queen's Weapons 12/5, 4.5*
3. Peace Talks 12/31, 4*
4. Battle Ground
5. Imago
6. Early Riser
7. Just Another Judgement Day 3/8, 4*
8. The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny 11/22, 3.5*
9. Ink & Sigil 5/3, 3.5*
10. Paper & Blood 12/24, 4*
11. Soul Taken 11/3, 4*
12. Downpour
13. Akata Witch 1/16, 4*
14. White Trash Zombie Gone Wild 11/28, 4*
15. Crush the King 2/10, 4*
16. Capture the Crown 3/25, 3.75*

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Vikki, Moderator]

The most important part is that's fun - doesn't matter if it's easy or challenging! Mine has some easy reads and some more challenging ones

[Anne]

Vikki wrote: "The most important part is that's fun - doesn't matter if it's easy or challenging! Mine has some easy reads and some more challenging ones"

I've done many different strategies over the years. I had a list one year where all the books were 700+ pages, and I failed miserably.
From this experience, learned that if I pick too many long books, I end up not wanting to read the ones I picked, and it's hard to catch up once I get behind. This is a much more practical list, and there's enough variety to keep it interesting. Also, I own most of them, so at least I know I'll be able to find them.

[Denise]

I haven't read any of your selections but wish you luck with your challenge.

[Amy]

I'm not much of a fantasy or science fiction reader, so these titles don't ring a bell to me, but hopefully you'll love a few. Enjoy!

[Bill, Moderator]

I've only read the Dresden Files series, one of my favorites. I've also enjoyed the Thursday Next series and am happy to see Fforde has other books. I'm hoping to try Octavia Butler in 2022 as well. Enjoy your 2022 challenges.

[John]

Doesn't matter how challenging they might be - it's all about tackling one's TBR... to make room for more!

[Faouzia]

Nice list Anne, it seems like fun.
I’m only familiar with the Dresden files series which i enjoy greatly.
I hope you enjoy your list.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

I think it is a good plan - too challenging and we won't complete, and owning the books gives you a better chance of reading them

[Anne]

Thanks everyone.

John wrote: "Doesn't matter how challenging they might be - it's all about tackling one's TBR... to make room for more!"

Exactly! Although, I will say, my list never seems to get any shorter. Sometimes it feels like I add 2 more for every book I remove.

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "I think it is a good plan - too challenging and we won't complete, and owning the books gives you a better chance of reading them"

You're right- the too challenging lists were the ones that I've failed at, even if they're made up of books I really do want to read. Owning the books doesn't make too much difference for me usually, but it does mean I don't have to worry about getting stuck on too long of a waiting list at the library.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

At least you are only adding 2 for every book you remove, I've read one book this month and bought 12!

[Lea]

Good luck with your challenge this year. I also decided to go easy on myself this year! I hope you enjoy the Dresden books as much as I did. I'm anxious for the next book to be published...

[Anne]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "At least you are only adding 2 for every book you remove, I've read one book this month and bought 12!"

That's what happens if I go to a book signing. Due to covid, there haven't been any of those recently. That helps keep my total down.

Lea wrote: "Good luck with your challenge this year. I also decided to go easy on myself this year! I hope you enjoy the Dresden books as much as I did. I'm anxious for the next book to be published..."

I am really excited to read the 2 Dresden Files books. They are tentatively going to be read first, but that is always subject to change.

[Ioana]

I'm not a big fantasy books reader, but I read some science-fiction. However, I'm not familiar with any of the titles on your list, I'll look forward for your reviews. Happy reading!

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

I love this!!! Nothing like some sci-fi and fantasy to keep things interesting.

I started sneak-reading . It is so good.... eeekkk

I may have to try Ink & Sigil. I loved Hearnes . I just hope book 3 comes out soon.

Good luck and I really hope you enjoy your reads.

[Anne]

Alondra wrote: "I love this!!! Nothing like some sci-fi and fantasy to keep things interesting.

I started sneak-reading . It is so good.... eeekkk

I may have to try Ink & Sigi..."

I've heard good things about Leviathan Wakes, but I didn't have it on my list. It's not the sort of science fiction I normally read.

If you are thinking about reading Ink and Sigil, you should read the earlier series first, starting with Hounded. They're inter-related.

[Anne]

Ioana wrote: "I'm not a big fantasy books reader, but I read some science-fiction. However, I'm not familiar with any of the titles on your list, I'll look forward for your reviews. Happy reading!"

Thanks.

[Anne]

I finished my first book from the list: Akata Witch. It was a fun tale with a unique magical system and setting. The main characters were believable teenagers without being so angsty that they became obnoxious. I will definitely read the sequels.

[Bill, Moderator]

Anne wrote: "Alondra wrote: "I love this!!! Nothing like some sci-fi and fantasy to keep things interesting.

I started sneak-reading . It is so good.... eeekkk

I may have t..."

The Expanse is not a series I've read. I may have to check it out.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Anne wrote: "If you are thinking about reading Ink and Sigil, you should read the earlier series first, starting with Hounded. They're inter-related.."

Okay, good advice. I did not like Hounded that much; but may try again.

I am 1/3 way through with Leviathan Wakes. It is good!! I am really enjoying it and it doesn't read as "hard sci-fi" like The Three-Body Problem or anything. It has great characters and pacing

[Anne]

I finished another book on my list: Crush the King. I didn't like it quite as much as the previous 2 books in the series, but it was still a fun read.

I have not yet decided which book I will read next. I either own or have checked out all but one of the books, so my options are wide open right now.

[Anne]

I finished another book: Ink & Sigil. It was good, but not great. I enjoyed the Iron Druid series so much that it probably could never live up to my expectations. I did like the main character, and I will continue with the series.

[〰️Beth〰️]

Anne wrote: "I finished another book on my list: Crush the King. I didn't like it quite as much as the previous 2 books in the series, but it was still a fun read. ..."

Glad to know it was good fun even if not a great read. I read the first and planned to read the other two when they published (I hate waiting if I like book one) but never got to them.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Anne wrote: "I finished another book: Ink & Sigil. It was good, but not great. I enjoyed the Iron Druid series so much that it probably could never live up to my expectations. I did like the mai..."

I have this on my list. The 1st book in druid series was just okay for me; so i tried the A Plague of Giants series. I fell in love from the first page. Same author, but his ability to offer things quite different, is awesome.

Kudos Anne!!

[Bonnie]

Anne wrote: "I picked the next book(s) by several science fiction and fantasy authors I enjoy. It's not a particularly challenging list, but that's okay with me.

1. The Queen's Bargain
2. [book..."

I can't wait for Soul Taken. I put it on pre-hold at 2 library systems

[Anne]

Bonnie wrote: "I can't wait for Soul Taken. I put it on pre-hold at 2 library systems.."

I have a hold on that book too.

[Anne]

〰️Beth〰️ wrote: "Glad to know it was good fun even if not a great read. I read the first and planned to read the other two when they published (I hate waiting if I like book one) but never got to them.."

I end up waiting for sequels a lot, and then I end up forgetting to get back to them or I forget what happened and have to reread. Oh, well.

[Anne]

Alondra wrote: "I have this on my list. The 1st book in druid series was just okay for me; so i tried the A Plague of Giants series. I fell in love from the first page. Same author, but his ability to offer things quite different, is awesome.

Kudos Anne!!"

Like a lot of authors, I think he has grown as he writes more books. Hounded was his first published novel. I think his humor worked just right for me, but I know it doesn't work for everyone. Also, I have a soft spot for large dogs (no surprise considering my profile picture).

[Anne]

I am really behind on my books. I have most of them, and I want to read them, but I'm just too busy with work and studying to read much fiction. I've mostly been reading "brain candy" lately whenever I'm not studying.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Anne wrote: "Like a lot of authors, I think he has grown as he writes more books. Hounded was his first published novel. I think his humor worked just right for me, but I know it doesn't work for everyone. Also..."

This is true, this is why I have the next two books in that series. LOL

edit: I originally wrote the "next to books in that series" Why didn't someone tell me!!?? 😩😩🤣🤦🏾

[Anne]

It's almost the end of November, and I just finished the 8th book on my list. It is going to be a struggle to finish my list since most of the remaining books are at least 400 pages each, and I am behind on other challenges too. I will finish what I can, and I'll read the rest next year.

[Patricia]

Looks like you've enjoyed what you've read & that's the main thing! I keep thinking I should make the books I didn't read for this challenge the books I put on my next year's challenge, but, so far I haven't done that yet. They just keep accumulating!
Happy Reading!

[Anne]

Patricia wrote: "Looks like you've enjoyed what you've read & that's the main thing! I keep thinking I should make the books I didn't read for this challenge the books I put on my next year's challenge, but, so far..."

You're right, I did enjoy the ones I read. That is certainly not a guarantee. I've had some real duds in the past.

I did make next year's list with the ones I hadn't gotten to over the years. I could actually have made 2 lists with all the ones I haven't read, so I still got to pick and choose a bit.

[Anne]

I finished the 2 Anne Bishop books in the last week, so now I'm at 10 completed. My plan is to read the 2 Dresden Files books before the end of the year, thus completing my 12. I'll be busy with work and other things, but it is doable.

[Linette]

Yes, it is doable!
Awesome reading two books in one week.

[Anne]

Linette wrote: "Yes, it is doable!
Awesome reading two books in one week."

It helps when you are enjoying the books. The latter book was over 500 pages, and I read it in 2 days. They aren't great literature, and they aren't the types of books I normally read, but I've loved all her books for some reason.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Anne wrote: "I finished the 2 Anne Bishop books in the last week, so now I'm at 10 completed. My plan is to read the 2 Dresden Files books before the end of the year, thus completing my 12. I'll be busy with wo..."

You can do this!! Dresden has a decent pacing and its fun. 💪🏽💪🏽

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Anne wrote: "Linette wrote: "Yes, it is doable!
Awesome reading two books in one week."

It helps when you are enjoying the books. The latter book was over 500 pages, and I read it in 2 days. They aren't great..."

Wow, a 500 page book in 2 days!!

[Anne]

Alondra wrote: "You can do this!! Dresden has a decent pacing and its fun. 💪🏽💪🏽."

You are correct. I did read first, but now I am reading . I started it Wednesday, and I'm already halfway through. I'm hoping to finish it either later today or tomorrow morning. That will get me to my 12.

[Anne]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Wow, a 500 page book in 2 days!!."

It was a very fast read. I'm now anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, which doesn't come out until March. I will be pre-ordering my copy.

[Andrea]

The first in the White Trash Zombie is on my list. Looks like a fun read. Hope you enjoy your reading in 2023!!

[Anne]

Andrea wrote: "The first in the White Trash Zombie is on my list. Looks like a fun read. Hope you enjoy your reading in 2023!!"

That series was recommended to me by the author Kevin Hearne when I was talking to him at a book signing. He was right - they are very entertaining.

[Anne]

I finished my 12th book with about 1 minute to spare, so I did manage to finish my 2022 challenge. I'm looking forward to reading my 2023 books.

[Desley (Cat fosterer)]

Well done

[Anne]

Desley (Cat fosterer) wrote: "Well done"

Thanks!

[Linette]

Congratulations on finishing your challenge!

[Anne]

Linette wrote: "Congratulations on finishing your challenge!"

Thanks! I really cut it close this time. If my book was even 1 page longer, I would not have made it.

[Laurel]

Congratulations!

[Lea]

One minute to spare?!? That's amazing, I love it! Congratulations! I always love Harry Dresden, I'm looking forward to the next book whenever it comes out. At least you still have Battle Ground ahead of you! :-)