Bill's 2025 #2 Reading Challenge - Finish Series

[Bill, Moderator]

This list may be adjusted before end Dec 2024 but I plan to finish 16 series in 2025!

1. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (Handmaid's #2 / 2019) (Sci Fi / Dystopia)
2. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows / 2016) (Fan)
3. Maddie Hatter and the Timely Taffeta by Jayne Barnard (Maddie Hatter #3 / 2017) (Steampunk)
4. Crime Machine by Giles Blunt (John Cardinal #5 / 2010) (Mys / Can) 294 pages, started 29 Jan, finished 18 Feb, 4.5 stars
5. Out of Time's Abyss by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Caspak #3 / 1908) (Adv)
6. Imago by Octavia E. Butler (Xexogenesis #3 / 1989) (Sci-Fi)
7. Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie (Tommy & Tuppence #5 / 1973) (Mys / UK) 221 pages, started 21 Feb, finished 20 Mar, 3.0 stars
8. When the Tripods Came by John Christopher (Tripods prequel / 1988) (Young Adult / Sci-Fi) 151 pages, started 18 Feb, finished 21 Feb, 4.0 stars
9. The City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin (The Passage #3 / 2016) (Hor)
10. The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin (Earthsea #5 / 2001) (Fan)
11. Domain by James Herbert (Rats #3 / 1984) (Hor) 421 pages, started 20 Mar, finished 8 Jul, 4.0 stars
12. The Skull Beneath the Skin by P.D. James (Cordelia Gray #2 / 1982) (Mys / UK)

Alternates

Alt 1. Iron Council by China Miéville (Bas Lag #3 / 2004) (Sci-Fi)
Alt 2. Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice (Moon #2 / 2023) (CanLit / Dystopia) 305 pages, started 1 Jan, finished 29 Jan, 4.5 stars
Alt 3. The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown (Wild Robot #3) 281 pages, started 29 May, finished 31 May, 4.0 stars
Alt 4. Abandon Galaxy! by Bart Somers (Commander Craig #2 / 1967) (Sci-Fi) 160 pages, started 8 Jul, finished 14 Jul, 2.0 stars

Completed- 7

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Oohh, I like this list. So many series that are already on my tbr.

I may try and read The Handmaids Tale this upcoming year. I keep putting it off because of reality; but information is power.

Good luck and happy reading with this list too!

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Oohh, I like this list. So many series that are already on my tbr.

I may try and read The Handmaids Tale this upcoming year. I keep putting it off because of reality; but information is power.

..."

That's why I'm reading the graphic version of 1984... as you say, knowledge is power...

[Patricia]

This is what I love about this group--so many people have already thrown up their list.
I'll be working on some series as well. I've enjoyed doing that the past couple of years and I will finish a few as well.
And, come on, Bill--why not finish 25 series in '25? ;)

[Bill, Moderator]

Patricia wrote: "This is what I love about this group--so many people have already thrown up their list.
I'll be working on some series as well. I've enjoyed doing that the past couple of years and I will finish a ..."

That would be a fascinating idea, Pam...

[Lindsey]

I'm just going to say good luck with your challenge. I'm scared to look through all of your books. I started writing out all of the series I'm currently reading for Alondra's challenge and realized how out of control I already am. If I ook through your books I'm scared I'll add even more. 🤣

[Dee]

good luck, Bill.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lindsey wrote: "I'm just going to say good luck with your challenge. I'm scared to look through all of your books. I started writing out all of the series I'm currently reading for Alondra's challenge and realized..."

That's Lillie's challenge, I blame her! 😁😂😂

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "I'm just going to say good luck with your challenge. I'm scared to look through all of your books. I started writing out all of the series I'm currently reading for Alondra's challe..."

LOL

Dee wrote: "good luck, Bill."

Thanks, Dee

Lindsey wrote: "I'm just going to say good luck with your challenge. I'm scared to look through all of your books. I started writing out all of the series I'm currently reading for Alondra's challenge and realized..."

One of my challenges this year will be Start a Series. Like you, I've already got so many on the go... but hey, what can you do, eh?

[Lea]

This looks like a great challenge, Bill. I hope you are able to finish out these series this year...so you can start some more! I have read The Testaments, Crooked Kingdom and The City of Mirrors, and enjoyed them all. Best wishes!

[Ioana]

Nice list, Bill. I've read The Testaments, Imago and The City of Mirrors. All good, all disturbing in their own way. I can't wait to read your reviews. Good luck with these 16 series (and more)!

[Bill, Moderator]

Ioana wrote: "Nice list, Bill. I've read The Testaments, Imago and The City of Mirrors. All good, all disturbing in their own way. I can't wait to read your reviews. ..."

Thanks a lot, Ioana. I'm looking forward to your list.

Lea wrote: "This looks like a great challenge, Bill. I hope you are able to finish out these series this year...so you can start some more! I have read The Testaments, Crooked Kingdom and The City of Mirrors, ..."

Your recommendation is always a good one. And trust me, I'll be starting quite a few series..

[Vikki, Moderator]

Crooked Kingdom might end up on my list too

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Vikki wrote: "Crooked Kingdom might end up on my list too"

It's good. I really liked the duology. I am now going back to the original first book in the Grishaverse, because even though these are standalones, they still come from that world. *sigh* .... more series and duologies and trilogies. 😖😖

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Vikki wrote: "Crooked Kingdom might end up on my list too"

It's good. I really liked the duology. I am now going back to the original first book in the Grishaverse, because even though these are s..."

Every website that I checked had the stories broken down differently. I went with Fantastic Fiction finally to choose Crooked Kingdom as the final book in that part of the Grishaverse.

Vikki wrote: "Crooked Kingdom might end up on my list too"

Good luck if you read it, Vikki.

[Bonnie]

Bill wrote: "This list may be adjusted before end Dec 2024 but I plan to finish 16 series in 2025!

1. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (Handmaid's #2 / 2019) (Sci Fi / Dystopia)
..."

I've read some but not all of the adult series you're reading. I also chose to continue a few series this year.

[Michelle]

Great idea for a list Bill! Nothing more satisfying than finishing a series. Good luck Bill!

[Linette]

Cheering for you, Bill! At least one of us will finish a lot of series next year!
But yes, we also need to start new series, so we always have a line up of books we are excited to read. :)

[Bill, Moderator]

Linette wrote: "Cheering for you, Bill! At least one of us will finish a lot of series next year!
But yes, we also need to start new series, so we always have a line up of books we are excited to read. :)"

Ain't that the truth.

Michelle wrote: "Great idea for a list Bill! Nothing more satisfying than finishing a series. Good luc Bill!"

Thanks, Michelle.

Bonnie wrote: "Bill wrote: "This list may be adjusted before end Dec 2024 but I plan to finish 16 series in 2025!

1. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (Handmaid's #2 / 2019) (Sci Fi..."

There are so many excellent series available...

[Anne]

I enjoyed The Testaments, Moon of the Turning Leaves, and Imago, and I hope you do too.

[Mary]

Hi BIll,
I am currently reading The Testaments and I like it so far. I will be interested to hear your thoughts on it. I didn't realize there is a book 3 in The Passage series. I will have to get back to that series. Happy Reading!

[Bill, Moderator]

Mary wrote: "Hi BIll,
I am currently reading The Testaments and I like it so far. I will be interested to hear your thoughts on it. I didn't realize there is a book 3 in The Passage series. I will have to get b..."

Thanks, Mary. I just bought another book by Cronin, The Ferryman and it sounds interesting.

[Bill, Moderator]

I plan to start with Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice

[Mary]

Thanks for the tip Bill ! I will check out the Ferryman.

[Martha]

Good luck, Bill! I've not read any of them.

[Bill, Moderator]

Martha wrote: "Good luck, Bill! I've not read any of them."

Thanks, Martha. Enjoy your selections, too.

[Ann at the Beach]

so many series....so little time...The only one on your list that I have read is City of Mirrors...and it finished a series...YAY..something I seldom achieved. Good luck with your list.

[Bill, Moderator]

Ann at the Beach wrote: "so many series....so little time...The only one on your list that I have read is City of Mirrors...and it finished a series...YAY..something I seldom achieved. Good luck with your list."

I hope you enjoyed City of Mirrors. It's always satisfying and a bit bittersweet to finish a series.

[Ann at the Beach]

I did enjoy it and hopefully you do too!

[Bill, Moderator]

I've made one switch, changing the Sandman graphic novel to The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown

[Jackie]

I like the Finish Series goal! Good luck.

[Bill, Moderator]

Jackie wrote: "I like the Finish Series goal! Good luck."

Thanks, Jackie.

[Faouzia]

Nice list Bill. I hope you enjoy it.

[Bill, Moderator]

Faouzia wrote: "Nice list Bill. I hope you enjoy it."

Thanks, Faouzia. I hope so too. Good luck with your challenges

[Yolande]

I’ve read Justin Cronin’s series before - so good! Enjoy your reading Bill!

[Bill, Moderator]

Yolande wrote: "I’ve read Justin Cronin’s series before - so good! Enjoy your reading Bill!"

Thank you, Yolande. I hope you enjoy your 2025 reading as well.

[Denise]

I haven't read any of these. I am sure you will do great this year!

[Bill, Moderator]

Denise wrote: "I haven't read any of these. I am sure you will do great this year!"

Thanks, Denise. I hope you enjoy your 2025 selections as well.

[Bill, Moderator]

Finally completed my first book in this challenge, Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice 4.5 stars Just as good as the 1st book.

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

Next series to wrap up is the John Cardinal mystery series with Crime Machine by Giles Blunt

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Congrats on knocking out that first book, Bill!!

edit: I already added book 1 to my tbr

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Congrats on knocking out that first book, Bill!!

edit: I already added book 1 to my tbr"

It's an excellent dystopian novel, Alondra.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Bill wrote: "It's an excellent dystopian novel, Alondra"

A lot of folks thought the first book was just okay. I will keep it on my tbr. It seems short enough, and most say I just need to push past the first 1/3 of the book. We shall see.

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Bill wrote: "It's an excellent dystopian novel, Alondra"

A lot of folks thought the first book was just okay. I will keep it on my tbr. It seems short enough, and most say I just need to push past..."

There are so many books out there to read, Alondra. If you don't get to this one, ..... well, you know.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Bill wrote: "There are so many books out there to read, Alondra. If you don't get to this one, ..... well, you know..."

True. I have a ton sitting around waiting to be read.

[Bill, Moderator]

A second series, John Cardinal, completed. My review of Crime Machine (Cardinal #5) 4.5 stars

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

Next series to finish is the Tripods with the prequel book, When the Tripods Came by John Christopher.

[Bill, Moderator]

My review of When the Tripods Came by John Christopher 4.0 stars

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

Finishing off the Tommy & Tuppence series next with Postern of Fate by Agatha Christie

[Lea]

Nice! I can't remember which Christie books I've read, so I restarted some of her series. I think I'm going to be reading for awhile. LOL.

[Bill, Moderator]

Lea wrote: "Nice! I can't remember which Christie books I've read, so I restarted some of her series. I think I'm going to be reading for awhile. LOL."

It would be easy to do, eh? She was, how you say, prolific? 😎

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Bill wrote: "My review of When the Tripods Came by John Christopher 4.0 stars

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

Finishing off the Tommy & Tuppence series next wit..."

I already added book 1 to my TBR. I mean, what is 1 more book at this point??? Also, it looks fun and SHORT. I need more shorties in my life.

[Bill, Moderator]

Alondra wrote: "Bill wrote: "My review of When the Tripods Came by John Christopher 4.0 stars

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

Finishing off the Tommy & Tuppence se..."

They are indeed fun and short.