December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly

[Krystal]

MaryG2E wrote: "Yes, I have all the books to hand to complete this task. Trying to plough through my reading choices for 2022 before the end of the year! All four titles are written by Australian authors.

Just a ..."

That's so cool, Mary! Lucky you!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

MaryG2E wrote: "Yes, I have all the books to hand to complete this task. Trying to plough through my reading choices for 2022 before the end of the year! All four titles are written by Australian authors.

Just a ..."

He's a lovely young man Mary, down to earth and natural was how he struck me when I met him.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Welcome Mary, you're linked :)

[Tien]

December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Hard
12/12 (5/4 AA)

TASKS

#1. Born in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world.
**Read a book set in Australia OR
**Read a book which you feel started your love of reading
The Playmaker by Thomas Keneally AA -Read 06/12

#2. Matthew's his first novel was Contest, which he wrote at the age of 19 while still at university studying law. Matthew self-published Contest in 1996 after being rejected by all the major publishers. In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book.
**Read a self published novel OR
**Read a debut novel
The Fine Colour of Rust by P.A. O'Reilly AA -Read 15/12

#3. Matthew is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels, the Jack West novels, and seven standalone novels plus several short stories. His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
**Read a series book OR
**Read a book which has been translated
Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist #1) by Renée Ahdieh -Read 09/12

#4. Matthew owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course. Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
**Read a book by an Australian author OR
**Read a book set in the US
Mars Awakens by H.M. Waugh AA -Read 11/12

BONUS
**Read a book by Matthew Reilly AA - Cobalt Blue -Read 20/12



SPELL OUT

C- C.J. Archer - The Watchmaker's Daughter (Glass and Steele #1) -Read 08/12
O- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey -Read 02/12
N- Neal Shusterman - The Toll (Arc of a Scythe #3) -Read 21/12
T- They Went Left by Monica Hesse -Read 02/12
E- Elsie Quail - Shadow Rose (Daughters of Moon and Sun #1) -Read 13/12
S- Sunyi Dean - The Book Eaters -Read 17/12
T- Traci Harding - The Eternity Gate (The Timekeepers #2) AA -Read 17/12

[Rachel]

Last one!
DECEMBER 2022 CHALLENGE
Featured Author: Matthew Reilly
Date 1/12/2022-31/12/2022
Level: Hard
11/11 4/4 AA
TASKS

✅1.Read a book set in Australia: You Need to Know by Nicola Moriarty 3 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review AA

✅2. Read a debut novel: Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (Native American) 22 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review

✅3. Read a book which has been translated: The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth by Veeraporn Nitiprapha* (Thailand) 25 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐ my review

✅4.Read a book by an Australian author: Wild Women: History's Female Rebels, Radicals & Revolutionaries by Pamela Robson* 16 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐ my review AA



SPELL OUT
✅C-Christmas at Coorah Creek by Janet Gover 24 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review AA
✅O-The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht* (Serbia) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review
✅N-Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz* (Egypt) 29 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review
✅T-The Willful Princess and the Piebald Prince by Robin Hobb 24 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review
✅E-Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel* (Mexico) 26 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review
✅S-My Tidda, My Sister: Stories of Strength and Resilience from Australia's First Women by Marlee Silva 13 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐ my review AA
✅T-Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson (Iceland/ Ireland) 20 Dec 2022 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ my review

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Welcome Tien and Rachel, you're both linked :)

[Valerie]

Took a while to decide on my books, but here they are! Could I please be added? :)

December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: easy
0/4

TASKS

#1. Read a book which you feel started your love of reading

The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton

#2. Read a debut novel

I Will Die in a Foreign Land by Kalani Pickhart

#3. Read a book which has been translated

The City of Mist: Stories by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

#4. Read a book by an Australian author

Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham AA

[Sharon Louise]

Valerie wrote: "Took a while to decide on my books, but here they are! Could I please be added? :)

December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: easy
0/4

TASKS

#1. Read a book wh..."

It was the Famous Five for me :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Welcome Valerie, you're linked and can start reading now :)

[Valerie]

Brenda wrote: "Welcome Valerie, you're linked and can start reading now :)"

Thanks Brenda

[Suzie]

Easy 0/4
1. Set in Australia Exiles/Jane Harper AA
2. Debut novel Invisible Man/Ralph Ellison
3. Series Murder in Williamstown/Kerry Greenwood AA
4. Set in US The Drop/Dennis Lehane

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Welcome Suzie, you're linked :)

[Janine]

Finished my 1st

Task #1 Read a book set in Australia
The Proxy Bride by Zoe Boccabella(AA) 4*

[Carol]

A bit late to this one but please add me:

December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy

#1. Born in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world.
**Read a book set in Australia OR
**Read a book which you feel started your love of reading

#2. Matthew's his first novel was Contest, which he wrote at the age of 19 while still at university studying law. Matthew self-published Contest in 1996 after being rejected by all the major publishers. In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book.
**Read a self published novel OR
**Read a debut novel

#3. Matthew is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels, the Jack West novels, and seven standalone novels plus several short stories. His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
**Read a series book ** OR
**Read a book which has been translated


#4. Matthew owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course. Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
**Read a book set in the US
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Welcome Carol, you're linked :)

[Jackmeister]

Finished my first 2 books.

C and first T of CONTEST

C - Connections in Death by J.D. Robb - 4⭐️ - 2/12/22

T - Terry Odell with Finding Sarah - 4⭐️ - 5/12/22

[Janine]

Finished my 2nd

Task #4 Read a Book by an Australian Author
The French Agent by Belinda Alexandra(AA) 4*

[MaryG2E]

Thanks to this weekend's marathon, I've finished this month's challenge very smartly.

AR Challenge December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 01/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy, TASKS, 4 books including at least 1 AA
Progress: 4/4

✔ 1. Read a book set in Australia
The Yield by Tara June Winch (AA) 4★s (03/12/22)

✔ 2. Read a debut novel
Banjawarn by Josh Kemp (AA) 3.5★s (09/12/22)

✔ 3. Read a series book
Good Girl, Bad Girl by Michael Robotham (Cyrus Haven #1) (AA) 5★s (09/12/22)

✔ 4. Read a book written by an Australian author
The Anti-Cool Girl by Rosie Waterland (AA) 3.5★s (07/12/22)

[Sharon Louise]

MaryG2E wrote: "Thanks to this weekend's marathon, I've finished this month's challenge very smartly.

AR Challenge December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 01/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy, TASKS, 4 boo..."

Well done :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Fantastic work Mary!!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

That's amazing Mary!

[Kim]

Finished my first two of this Challenge with:-

#1. Read a book set in Australia:-
Ash Mountain by Helen Fitzgerald

Rated this one as 4* (9/10). My review is here:-
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

#3. Read a series book - Powell #2:-
Abducted by Bill Ward

Rated this one as 4* (9/10). My review is here:-
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[MaryG2E]

Brenda wrote: "Fantastic work Mary!!"

Thanks Brenda.
Would you believe that I have already read, or have lined up waiting to read, another 4 books that meet the criteria...so perhaps I could do the EASY level a second time!! ((-:

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

MaryG2E wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Fantastic work Mary!!"

Thanks Brenda.
Would you believe that I have already read, or have lined up waiting to read, another 4 books that meet the criteria...so perhaps I could do th..."

You're welcome to - let me know and I'll set you up for Part 2 :)

[MaryG2E]

Brenda wrote: "MaryG2E wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Fantastic work Mary!!"

Thanks Brenda.
Would you believe that I have already read, or have lined up waiting to read, another 4 books that meet the criteria...so perha..."

Oh, I was being a little facetious, but, yeah, why not? I'd have to do the same 4 criteria I chose originally, as I don't have books on hand that are self-published, translated, etc.

[MaryG2E]

AR Challenge December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly PART 2
Duration: 01/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy, TASKS, 4 books including at least 1 AA
Progress: 4/4

✔ 1. Read a book set in Australia
The Barbershop Girl by Georgina Penney (AA) 4★s (10/12/22)

✔ 2. Read a debut novel
The Separation by Dinah Jefferies 4★s (22/12/22)

✔ 3. Read a series book
One Last Child by Anni Taylor (AA) Tallman's Valley Detectives#1 5★s (10/12/22)

✔ 4. Read a book written by an Australian author
Scary Monsters by Michelle de Kretser (AA) 3.5★s (11/12/22)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's fine Mary :) You're linked for Part 2!

[Jackmeister]

Finished another 2, the E and second T of CONTEST.

E - Embryo by J.A. Schneider - 5⭐️ - 7/12/22

T - Touched by Magic by Celine Jeanjean - 4⭐️ - 12/12/22

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Glad you enjoyed Embryo Jackie! I love her work..

[Angela]

Finished! 😊📚📚📚📚

December Challenge 2022
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy
Books: 4/4 AA: 3/3

TASKS

#1 Born in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world.
**Read a book set in Australia OR
**Read a book which you feel started your love of reading
Treasure & Dirt by Chris Hammer AA - read 11/12/22 - 4 ⭐

#2 Matthew's his first novel was Contest, which he wrote at the age of 19 while still at university studying law. Matthew self-published Contest in 1996 after being rejected by all the major publishers. In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book.
**Read a self published novel OR
**Read a debut novel
Happy Hour by Jacquie Byron AA - read 09/12/22 - 4 ⭐

#3 Matthew is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels, the Jack West novels, and seven standalone novels plus several short stories. His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
**Read a series book OR
**Read a book which has been translated
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum #10) - read 10/12/22 - 4 ⭐

#4 Matthew owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course. Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
**Read a book by an Australian author OR
**Read a book set in the US
The Stockman's Daughter by Jacquie Underdown AA - read 02/12/22 - 4 ⭐

BONUS
**Read a book by Matthew Reilly

[Janine]

Finished 2 more

Task #2 Read a Debut Novel
Five Bush Weddings by Clare Fletcher(AA) 3*

Task #3 Read a Series Book
All the Broken Places by 4*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Angela wrote: "Finished! 😊📚📚📚📚

December Challenge 2022
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy
Books: 4/4 AA: 3/3

TASKS

#1 Born in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was on..."

Great work Angela!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Oh well done Angela!!!

[Janine]

Challenge Completed
December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy
5/5

TASKS

#1. Born in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world.
**Read a book set in Australia
The Proxy Bride by Zoe Boccabella(AA) READ 3/12/22 4*

#2. Matthew's his first novel was Contest, which he wrote at the age of 19 while still at university studying law. Matthew self-published Contest in 1996 after being rejected by all the major publishers. In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book.
**Read a debut novel
Five Bush Weddings by Clare Fletcher(AA) READ 12/12/22 3*

#3. Matthew is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels, the Jack West novels, and seven standalone novels plus several short stories. His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
**Read a series book
All the Broken Places by John Boyne READ 10/12/22 4*

#4. Matthew owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course. Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
**Read a book by an Australian author
The French Agent by Belinda Alexandra(AA) READ 5/12/22 4*


BONUS
**Read a book by Matthew Reilly
Scarecrow READ 12/12/22 2*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Janine!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Great work Janine:)

[Suzie]

Easy 1/4
1. Set in Australia Exiles/Jane Harper AA 13/12 - 4 stars

[Sharon Louise]

CHALLENGE COMPLETED - 14/12/22

December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level - MEDIUM - Spell Out (minimum 2 AA)

C - Consolation - Garry Disher🐨 Read 2/12/22 - (3.5 stars)
O - Old Friends - Felicity Everett Read 5/12/22 - (3 stars)
N - Naomi's Room - Jonathan Aycliffe Read 6/12/22 (2 stars)
T - Thanks for Nothing - Jack Dee Read 10/12/22 (4 stars)
E - Eleven - Tom Rogers Read 8/12/22 (4 stars)
S - Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle - Sophie Green 🐨 Read 12/12/22 (4 stars)
T - Take One With You - Oak Anderson Read 14/12/22 (4 stars)

[Lorraine]

All done 😃

December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy (min 1 AA)
4/4

TASKS

#1. Born in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world.
**Read a book set in Australia
A Little Bird by Wendy James (AA) ✅ 2* (13/12)

#2. Matthew's his first novel was Contest, which he wrote at the age of 19 while still at university studying law. Matthew self-published Contest in 1996 after being rejected by all the major publishers. In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book.
**Read a debut novel
Dead and Gone to Bell by Jeremy Waldron ✅ 2* (1/12)

#3. Matthew is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels, the Jack West novels, and seven standalone novels plus several short stories. His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
**Read a book which has been translated (Swedish-English)
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman ✅ 5* (4/12)

#4. Matthew owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course. Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
**Read a book by an Australian author
One Last Child by Anni Taylor (AA) ✅ 3* (2/12)

✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Well done Sharon and Lorraine!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great work Sharon and Lorraine!

[Sharon Louise]

Thank you :)

[Jonquil]

December 2022 Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Level: Easy 1 AA

4/4 DONE
2/1 AA

#1. Born in Sydney in 1974. Read a book set in Australia. Chain of Evidence Garry Disher AA 12/6 ★★★

#2. Read a debut novel Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea J.L. Murray 12/11 ★★★★

#3. Read a series book (Harriet Gordon Mystery #3) Evil in Emerald A.M. Stuart AA 12/4 ★★★★

#4. Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles. Read a book set in the US Retribution C.M. Sutter 12/43★★★★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Jonquil!!

[Jackmeister]

Finished 2 more, N and S of CONTEST

N - Night Sisters by John Pritchard - 4⭐️ - 18/12/22

S - S.A. McEwen with The Good Daughter - 4⭐️ - 13/12/22

[Mari]

Another year of monthly challenges completed. I’ve loved the author spotlight format - thank you mods for another great year of challenges.

December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Easy
4/4
Completed 20th December

TASKS:

✅1. Read a book set in Australia.
Treasure & Dirt by Chris Hammer *AA* 10/12 ★★★★★
✅ 2. A debut novel.
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham 16/12 ★★★☆
✅ 3. A series book.
The Body on the Train by Frances Brody (#11 Kate Shackleton series) 13/12 ★★★★☆
✅ 4. Set in the USA.
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James 20/12 ★★★★

[Catsalive]

Completed December Featured Author - Matthew Reilly
Duration: 1/12/22 - 31/12/22
Level: Hard (4AA)
12/12

#1. **Read a book set in Australia
Happy Hour by Jacquie Byron (AA) 11/12 5★
OR **Read a book which you feel started your love of reading

#2. **Read a self published novel OR
**Read a debut novel
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay 8/12 4★

#3. **Read a series book OR
Murder in Williamstown by Kerry Greenwood (AA) 16/12 3.5★
**Read a book which has been translated

#4. **Read a book by an Australian author OR
Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies by Jackie French (AA) 5/12 4.5★
**Read a book set in the US

BONUS
**Read a book by Matthew Reilly
Hell Island by Matthew Reilly (AA) 19/12 3★


M- A Spring Affair by Milly Johnson 7/12 4★
A- A Summer Fling by Milly Johnson 8/12 3.5★
T- Death on Demand by Paul Thomas 6/12 4★
T- The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan 11/12 3.5★
H- The Gin Sisters' Promise by Faith Hogan 10/12 3★
E- The Escape by Mary Balogh 20/12 3★
W- Wild Dogs by Michael Trant (AA) 1/12 4.5★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Mari and Kylie!

[Lorraine]

Phrynne wrote: "Well done Sharon and Lorraine!"

Thank you 😊 Just noticed that I’m not ticked off as finished though 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Lorraine]

Brenda wrote: "Great work Sharon and Lorraine!"

Thank you 😊 Just noticed that I’m not ticked off as finished though 🤷🏻‍♀️