**Winter Reading Challenge - 1/6/15 - 31/8/15**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christy wrote: "Working on my list :). I'm also a little unsure about speculative fiction and want to know if Burn Out would qualify? Help please :). The author is a good friend of mine so I hope ..."

Most definitely Christy:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

RitaSkeeter wrote: "I looked up a definition of speculative fiction because I wasn't sure what it was exactly, and this is what I found:

Speculative fiction is a broad literary genre encompassing any fiction with sup..."

Speculative fiction covers Fantasy, Paranormal and Science Fiction...

Check out our thread here on AR - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Rosie]

I am in

1.
W Wonderful You
I Invincible
N Not Quite Dating
T A Tangled Web
E The Edwin Drood Murders
R The Rose Girls

2. The Beast's Garden

3. Clariel

4. The Stone Gate

5. June Historical Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
July Mystery Heavenly Pleasures
August Stardust

[Christy]

Brenda wrote: "Christy wrote: "Working on my list :). I'm also a little unsure about speculative fiction and want to know if Burn Out would qualify? Help please :). The author is a good friend of..."

Thanks Brenda!! Maybe she'll get a little Aussie following ;)

[Kathryn]

Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)"

Or maybe just a wait and see what I feel like at the time... Or which is available when I want it...!"

Sometimes w..."

Thanks, Phrynne. Maybe that might help sway me...!

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)"

Or maybe just a wait and see what I feel like at the time... Or which is available when I want it....."

Thanks, Brenda - my list is coming along. Should be able to post it over the weekend.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Excellent:) Looking forward to it!

[Zoey]

1.Spell it Out
W - Wolf Hall Hilary Mantel
I - Immortal in Death J.D. Robb
N - The Notebook Nicholas Sparks
T - TimeStorm Steve Harrison
E - Evil Women: Deadly Women Whose Crimes Knew No Limits John Marlowe
R - R is for Ricochet Sue Grafton
2.Aussie New Release - ???
3.Aussie YA - Darkness, Be My Friend John Marsden
4.Aussie Indie - The Witch Hunter Nicole R. Taylor
5. Owned TBR
Speculative Fiction - Delirium Lauren Oliver
Historical Fiction - Dawn on a Distant Shore Sara Donati
Mystery - A Cotswold Killing Rebecca Tope

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Looks great Zoey!!

[Nina]

WOW this is my first time. Ill check and then post lol. So happy you guys include me on this.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome Nina:) Have fun picking your books..

[Lynxie]

Some fantastic lists so far. It's so great to see so many different indies being picked!

I hope you enjoy them!

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "1. Spell it out -
Hope you enjoy Wonderboy, I thought it was a great book.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "1. Spell it out -
Hope you enjoy Wonderboy, I thought it was a great book."

Thanks Trevor! I've had it on my kindle for quite some time!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Does anyone think Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck qualifies as Speculative Fiction? It was a dnf for me last month due to other challenge committments but I would like to Give it another go....I hate not finishing a book!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Does anyone think Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck qualifies as Speculative Fiction? It was a dnf for me last month due to other challenge committments but I would lik..."

Mmm that's a hard one Jools! I would say no, but let others have a look. I think it's more historical fiction (which would still fit with this challenge)...

[Lynxie]

Brenda wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Does anyone think Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck qualifies as Speculative Fiction? It was a dnf for me last month due to other challenge committments..."

I agree with Brenda, Julie. This seems more historical fiction to me.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks for the confirmation Lynxie:)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Thanks ladies, I could still fit it in under "W" but I thought it might work as spec. because it is pretty "out there" in places ;) . I might have to look elsewhere to fill this particular category.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Thanks ladies, I could still fit it in under "W" but I thought it might work as spec. because it is pretty "out there" in places ;) . I might have to look elsewhere to fill this particular category."

Did you pick up Awakenings by J.E. Shannon when it was free a little while ago Jools? I am reading it now (for May) and it qualifies for the Spec in Winter challenge...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

RitaSkeeter wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Thanks ladies, I could still fit it in under "W" but I thought it might work as spec. Because it is pretty "out there" in places ;) I might have to look elsewhere to fill this parti..."

I only read around 100 pages Rita before I put it aside to finish other things, but it did seem to be very dark and "suggestive" of other worldly activities. That is to say that the characters were of the belief that darker forces were at work. A bit of myth and legend perhaps?

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

It reminded me a bit of All the Birds, Singing Rita, bearing in mind that I haven't read much of it.... yet. ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "It reminded me a bit of All the Birds, Singing Rita, bearing in mind that I haven't read much of it.... yet. ;)"

Did you see my post #76 Jools?

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "It reminded me a bit of All the Birds, Singing Rita, bearing in mind that I haven't read much of it.... yet. ;)"

Did you see my post #76 Jools?"

Sorry Brenda I didn't see it, I will check it out now.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

:)

[Kathryn]

OK, this is still only a partial list, and I had to do some juggling when I realised that the last one is for OWNED books - I would have less than 10 unread books on my bookshelf that I own at the moment and none of them are speculative fiction (a combination of all my least favourite genres!) or historical fiction (which is one of my favourites - but just not any that I own but haven't yet read!). However, I do have a few more in my iBooks and Kindle app - including something that I think should work for speculative fiction which I only just downloaded the other day!!

And does the new release need to be an Aussie author? I know it normally is, but it doesn't say this time...?

1.
W – While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax or Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
I – Ice Station by Matthew Reilly
N – Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh
T – The Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens or The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon
E – Enemy In The Room by Parker Hudson
R – Relics of the Dead by Ariana Franklin, or Rose Cottage by Mary Stewart

2. New Release
TBA

3. Aussie Young Adult
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

4. Aussie Indie Author
TBA

5. Owned TBR books
Speculative fiction – The Gardener Who Could See by John Jetty
Historical Fiction – Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
Mystery – The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café by Alexander McCall Smith

[Carolyn]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Does anyone think Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck qualifies as Speculative Fiction? It was a dnf for me last month due to other challenge committments but I would lik..."

I wouldn't really call it speculative Jools, although there is a bit of shamanism (spelling?) involving the daughter. Definitely historical or mystery - does that help?

It is a bit slow to get going and a bit dark and bleak so maybe it's just not your cup of tea. How far did you get with it?

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Carolyn wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Does anyone think Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck qualifies as Speculative Fiction? It was a dnf for me last month due to other challenge committments..."

I think I read about 140 pages Carolyn, I was enjoying the writing even though it was dark, but it was a big slow read and I had to put it aside to get through some more pressing ones...I can do dark, I'm just not keen on doom and gloom :)
I could still add this one here under W but not sure yet whether to commit to this challenge or focus on my other challenges :/ I am really behind with my arcs and other "begging" books!
Still, I will build a list here and see how I go....I should be able to find something within my vast tbr that fits the speculative genre and I can fit quite a few arcs in too ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "OK, this is still only a partial list, and I had to do some juggling when I realised that the last one is for OWNED books - I would have less than 10 unread books on my bookshelf that I own at the ..."

Nice list Kathryn:) No, not Aussie this time:)

[Trevor]

Do any of these books count as speculative fiction:

Tono-Bungay
The Time Machine
The Lost World
Delirium

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Do any of these books count as speculative fiction:

Tono-Bungay
The Time Machine
The Lost World
Delirium"

All of them are Science Fiction plus other blends too - Dystopian etc. So yes, you could use any one of these Trevor!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

I found one in my recently purchased tbr which qualifies for speculative fiction....although it is a brick! :) The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "I found one in my recently purchased tbr which qualifies for speculative fiction....although it is a brick! :) The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber."

It definitely qualifies Jools, and yes, it's a brick!!

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Do any of these books count as speculative fiction:

Tono-Bungay
The Time Machine
The Lost World
Delirium"

All of them are Scienc..."

Thanks Brenda, now I'll have to choose one :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Do any of these books count as speculative fiction:

Tono-Bungay
The Time Machine
The Lost World
Delirium"

All of ..."

Sounds like another coin toss Trevor!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "I found one in my recently purchased tbr which qualifies for speculative fiction....although it is a brick! :) The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber."

I just found one on your "own book" shelf which qualifies Jools - The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

I'll keep looking for you...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "I found one in my recently purchased tbr which qualifies for speculative fiction....although it is a brick! :) The Book of Strange New Things by [author:Michel Faber..."

Thanks Brenda, I just marked it as such. I'll keep looking too and add to that shelf to give me some choices ;)

[Sally906]

Ok - here is my Winter Challenge list:

1. Spell it out! Read 6 books whose titles spell out WINTER
W - The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
I - I Take You by Eliza Kennedy
N - No Ghouls Allowed by Victoria Laurie
T - Treasured Secrets by Kendall Talbot
E - Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
R - Ruby by Lauraine Snelling

2. Read a NEW RELEASE which is published in JUNE, JULY or AUGUST 2015 - Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty (July release)

3. For International Children's Day choose a YOUNG ADULT title by an AUSSIE author - Wolves of the Witchwood by Kate Forsyth

4. Choose a book written by an AUSSIE author who is independently published - an AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR - In Strange Worlds by Brenda Cheers

5. From your OWNED TBR books choose one SPECULATIVE FICTION, one HISTORICAL FICTION and one MYSTERY for JUNE, JULY and AUGUST (to be read in your month of choice!)
Speculative Fiction – The Hunt is On by Natalie Herzer - June
Mystery – Murder on the Bucket List by Elizabeth Perona - July
Historical Fiction - The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies - August

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

The Twelve by Justin Cronin qualifies but it's also a brick!
Spirit of Lost Angels by Liza Perrat
My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
Too Far by Rich Shapero
Wolf's Brother by Megan Lindholm
The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley (another brick!)

You have heaps Jools!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Thanks Brenda, I guess I just wasn't sure about that genre. I will have to add them to that shelf now ;)

The one I recently finished might also have qualified: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Thanks Brenda, I guess I just wasn't sure about that genre. I will have to add them to that shelf now ;)

The one I recently finished might also have qualified: [book:The Strange and Beautiful Sorr..."

Definitely does Jools! First couple of words in the blurb - "magical realism"...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sally906 wrote: "Ok - here is my Winter Challenge list:

1. Spell it out! Read 6 books whose titles spell out WINTER
W - The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
I - [book:I Take You|2..."

Excellent list Sally!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Thanks Brenda :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just looking at your "owned kindle" books Jools - qualifiers for Spec Fiction are:

Twice Born by Marina Finlayson
The Bone Forest by Robert Holdstock
Gypsy Cradle: a psychic paranormal thriller by Andrea Drew
The Poppet and the Lune by Madeline Claire Franklin
The Whispers: A Whispers Story by Lisa Unger
The Burning Girl: A Whispers Story by Lisa Unger
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
Kittens In The Emu Field by Lee McAulay
Vision: Complete Trudy Harper Psychic Investigations by Jane Sharp
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Stardust by Neil Gaiman (Loved this one!)
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

You've quite a number to choose from on your kindle too Jools:)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Thanks Brenda! There's a few there that have been screaming out at me :[]
Lol, you can go back to your book now ;)

Just included:
The Red Cardigan byJ.C. Burke
Nine letters long by J.C. Burke

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha thanks ;);)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Am currently listening to this series on audiobook: The Poppet and the Lune by Madeline Claire Franklin, its really nice and I would recommend it for fans of this genre....although the voice of the girl narrating it can be grating at times! :{

[Carol - Reading Writing and Riesling]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Am currently listening to this series on audiobook: The Poppet and the Lune by Madeline Claire Franklin, its really nice and I would recommend it for fans of this g..." The narrator can make such a difference cant it?

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Carol - Reading Writing and Riesling wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Am currently listening to this series on audiobook: The Poppet and the Lune by Madeline Claire Franklin, its really nice and I would recommend it fo..."

They sure can Carol, but this story is so nice that I am overlooking it and just having a break when she gets too bad. It is mostly her portrayal of just one of the lead characters, she makes her sound "whiney" and unconvincing. The best part is that I bought the kindle book with whispersync so I can always switch over to reading the book when she gets too much ;)