Saturday, January 31, 2015

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: January Challenges - Finished

January Challenges hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I managed to finish all the January challenges. 8 at full points but the 9th only at level 1. There were a lot of different tasks in these challenges but it was fun to figure them out.

January Ravenclaw House Game: DONE
How it works:

Answer at least one of the following riddles (more if you can!) by sending Greta a PM. Greta will respond, letting you know if you're right.

Then, Spell out RIDDLE using the first letter of a book's title (not inlcuding A, An, or The), the first letter of the author's first or last name, or the first letter of the series title.

Rules:
-Page number requirements: 140 pages for Ya & Mg (Young Adult and Middle Grade). 125 pages for everything else.
-Each book may be used only once per challenge.
-No points for finishing after January 31, 2015.

Here are the riddles:

1. I give milk and have a horn but am not a cow, what am I?
2. I have an eye but cannot see. I am stronger and faster then any man alive but have no limbs. What am I?
3. I am a rock group that has 4 members, all of whom are dead, one of which was assassinated. What am I?
4. With pointed fangs it sits in wait, With piercing force its doles out fate, Over bloodless victims proclaiming its might, Eternally joining in a single bite. What am I?
5. Four men were in a boat on the lake. The boat turns over, and all four men sink to the bottom of the lake, yet not a single man got wet! Why?


R: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I: In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig
D: A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser
D: Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan
L: Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
E: Summer of Change by Elena Aitken

January House Slytherin Game: DONE
Spell out Slytherin
You can use title, first and last names of authors and characters


S: The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory
L: Lainey in Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan
Y: Coven by K.A. Young
T: Shenanigans by T.B. Bond
H: How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
E: Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
R: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
I:  Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson (Iris)
N: Noah in A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser

January Gryffindor House Game: DONE

Using author initials ONLY (FIRST or LAST names) to spell out:
RULES:
1. No Children's Lit, Fan Fiction, or Beta Reads allowed.
2. YA = 140 pp; All others = 125 pp

POINTS:
+2 pts for GRYFFINDOR completing task
+1 pt for ANY OTHER HOUSE competing task
+.5 pts for each letter completed 


T: Shenanigans by T.B. Bond
H: Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan
E: Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
F: A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser
A: The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory
T: Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
L: Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
A: How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
D: Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
Y: Coven by K.A. Young

January Hufflepuff House Game: DONE
Find the following words and phrases within the text of books you read for January! You must use at least two books to complete this challenge. You may find 1 word from one book, and all the other words from the second book if you wish!

When you find a word or phrase, please include a link to the book, the author's name, the date finished, and the page or location and sentence in which the word was found.

Example: Food: Hero at Large by Janet Evanovich (11/06/14)
Page 93 - "They carried the food into the dining room and took places opposite each other."

Point System:

* .25 points for every word/phrase you find from this list
* 2 points for completing this challenge if you belong to Hufflepuff
* 1 point for completing this challenge if you belong to another house


The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Dedication or Dedicated: (Pg. 304): I would tell you how my time at the University was spent with a purity of DEDICATION.
Fair: (Pg. 94): When I come back, I don't want to find either of you dead or the building on fire. FAIR?
Patience or Patient: (Pg. 117): The words were spoken with a slow PATIENCE, like a schoolmaster reciting a forgotten lesson.
Kindness: (Pg. 4):  A Tinker pays for KINDNESS twice
Unafraid: (Pg. 118): I was slow and aimless, UNAFRAID as I pulled Ben's book from under my burning mattress.
Yellow: (Pg. 18): Tall poplars had gone a buttery YELLOW...
Black: (Pg. 1): It was the weight of the BLACK stone hearth that held the heat of a long-dead fire.
Badger: (Pg. 233): and did everything he could to BADGER and unsettle them.
Barrel: (Pg. 141): he pointed to the BARREL by the doorway.
Kitchen: (Pg. 23): Before long Bast came out of the KITCHEN and looked over his teacher's shoulder.
Religious Title: (Pg. 12): They took it to the PRIEST

Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
Inclusive: (Loc. 90): We'll offer an all-INCLUSIVE weekend for couples who need to reconnect or heal their relationship.

The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory
Hard Work: (Loc. 1697): Keeping secrets from prying eyes was going to be seriously HARD WORK.

Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
Tolerance: (Loc: 2503): He was the one with the TOLERANCE problem, not her.

Exploring Diagon Alley: DONE
The Leaky Cauldron pub serves as a way of entering into Diagon Alley from the Muggle world for Muggle-borns and their parents (both of whom, until the first letter from Hogwarts, have no magical knowledge or means of entering). The rear of The Leaky Cauldron opens onto a chilly little courtyard where a brick (found by counting three up and two across) is tapped three times.

Once entering Diagon Alley you may find all kinds of shops and businesses. It contains Gringotts Bank which is run by goblins, an ice-cream parlour, pet shops, book shops, Ollivander's wand shop, magical clothing shops, broom shops, apothecaries and many others shops to explore. When exploring Diagon Alley make sure to bring along friends.

Your tasks are to explore Diagon Alley:

Rules:
-Make sure you include your House name when you sign up!
-Children books will not count for this challenge
-Books must be at least 125 pages in length; Young Adult must be 140 pages

Task 1: Bring Along Friends
Check in with your Common room and encourage your team along by leaving uplifting and encouraging comments! You may do this as much as you like but for you to earn points you need to post one encouraging comment in your common room once a week. Each week is worth 0.5 pts. Maximum points earned for this task = 2 points.
*Be sure to include a link to your encouraging messages when you post your completed challenge in your Homework Box!

Week 1 – January 4-10
Week 2 – January 11-17
Week 3 – January 18-24
Week 4 – January 25-31

Task 2: Exploring Ollivander’s Wand Shop
Background: Ollivanders in South Side, Diagon Alley, London, is owned by the Ollivander family and run by an older family member Garrick Ollivander, known only as Mr. Ollivander. Mr. Ollivander has been serving as the family shopkeeper at least since the 1930s, and remembers every wand he's ever sold. The Ollivander family are widely acknowledged to be the best wandmakers in Britain, and rank among the finest wandmakers in Europe. Wandmaking has been the family business since 382 B.C. Although there are other wandmakers in Britain, most new British wands are purchased from Ollivanders, including almost all first wands purchased by incoming Hogwarts students.
Task 2: Read a book with a theme about magic. Remember no Children books. YA does count. Maximum points earned for this task = 1
The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory

Task 3: Exploring Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour
Background: Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour was a shop that sold ice-cream. Located in North Side, Diagon Alley, the Parlour was owned and operated by Florean Fortescue before he disappeared in 1996. The Parlour is a small shop with places to sit down inside, and a small area outside with a bunch of tables and chairs. Inside, there can be found lots of colourful ice-cream on display.

On Harry Potter's first visit to Diagon Alley, Rubeus Hagrid presented him with a large ice cream (chocolate and raspberry flavoured with chopped nuts), which likely came from Fortescue's establishment. In 1993, Harry spent a lot of time at the Parlour doing his homework while Mr. Fortescue helped him and gave him free ice cream every half-hour. In 1996, Bill Weasley mentioned that Mr. Fortescue had been "dragged off" from the looks of the ice cream parlour. It was later confirmed that he had been abducted by Death Eaters, and eventually killed. It is unknown what became of the Parlour after his death. Explore Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.
Task 3: This is a scavenger hunt. You need to have Book, Page or Location, and sentence. Each word is worth 0.5 pts. Maximum points earned for this task = 2 points.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 
Chocolate – (Pg. 16): He didn't have any pepper, or cinnamon, or CHOCOLATE.
Table – (Pg. 6): He dropped the bundled blanket onto the nearest TABLE where it knocked hard against the wood, as if it were full of stones.
Spoon – (Pg. 13): Kote poked his SPOON idly into the stew.
Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan  
Raspberry – (Loc. 320) No other bride would insist on eating toast with RASPBERRY jam on the way out the door to the church,

Task 4: Scribbulus Writing Instruments
Background: Scribbulus Writing Implements was a shop in Diagon Alley that sold quills, ink, and parchment. It was located next door to Quality Quidditch Supplies, and next to an archway leading into Knockturn Alley. In the summer of 1996, the shop was either abandoned or ransacked by Death Eaters.
Task 4: Write a review of a book you read this month (not necessarily for this challenge) and post a link in this thread for everyone to read. Remember no Children books. YA does count. Maximum points earned for this task = 1
*Remember to post a link to your review in your completed challenge before you submit it in the Homework Box! Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton

Total Maximum points for entire challenge: 6 - plus 2 bonus points for finishing the entire challenge. 


New Year's Resolutions: DONE
This challenge is based on the Top 15 New Year's Resolutions. For each resolution there is one task.

RULES:
1. Choose any 10 (ten) Resolutions from the list below.
2. Books must be at least 125 pp; YA = 140 pp
3. Allowable: Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA, Audio
4. Not Allowed: BETA reads, Children's, Fan Fiction
5. Post your HOUSE when you sign up.
6. Task posts must include: Resolution, Book Title, Author, PP, Rating, How it Fits, Points

POINTS:
+ 1: for each resolution completed  

Top 15 New Year's Resolutions (in no particular order)
1. Volunteer
*Read a book about a SERVICE CAREER PROFESSIONAL (nurse, firefighter, police, military, etc.) or a character who volunteers
A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser 
2. Quit Smoking
*Read a book in which FIRE is important
3. Change Jobs
*Read a book in which the main character CHANGES jobs or careers
Bewitching You by Viola Estrella
4. Manage Debt
*Read a MYSTERY centered around money
5. Get Fit
*Read a SELF-HELP or collection of SHORT STORIES
Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs (short stories)
6. Eat Healthy
*Read a book with a COOK/CHEF/RESTAURANT as central
7. Manage Stress
*Read a book in FANTASY or MAGICAL REALISM genres (must be in top two shelves listed)
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
8. Travel
*Read a book set in any COUNTRY other than the United States
Born in Fire by Nora Roberts
9. Recycle
*RE-READ a favorite book or author
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
10. Drink Less
*Read a book with a BEVERAGE on the cover
Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
11. Go on a Diet
*Read a book with FOOD on the cover
12. Learn Something New
*Read a book by a "NEW-TO-YOU" author
The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory
13. Spend More Time with Family 
*Read a book about a FAMILY relationship
Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan  
14. Fall in Love
*Read a ROMANCE genre
Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
15. Get Organized
*Read a book that's been on your TBR the longest

January Scavenger Hunt: DONE
RULES:
1. Must read more than 3 books.
2. Any genre except Children's Lit. YA should be over 140 pp. All others should be over 125 pp.
3. Items found in reading, not in title or on cover.
4. No more than 5 items per book.
5. In your post, list TITLE, PAGE #, and SENTENCE where the item can be found.
6. For non-fiction the caption texts are not allowed, however, anything within the main text or article would be allowed.
7. No AUDIO, Children's, BETA read, or Fan Fiction are allowed.
8. For e-readers, use LOC# OR %AGE.
9. Words not found will ROLLOVER to the next month.

POINTS
+.05: Each book read (finishers & non-finishers)
+1: Participation (only for non-finishers)
+5: Completion (only for finishers)
*Part. & Comp. CANNOT be claimed together


The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
17. MOLASSES (Pg. 222) barrels of MOLASSES, and a burlap sack of coffee.

Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
1. BARTENDER (Loc: 384) Is there a BARTENDER around here?

The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory
16. PLUM (Loc: 121) draped by a PLUM sweather a size too large

How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
5. KING (loc: 1688) The KING of organization, Clark had labeled each key,

Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
8. MOURN (Loc: 3031) I didn't think many people would MOURN the death of a complete dick.

Shenanigans by T.B. Bond
19. WOLVES (Loc: 187) She didn't know a lot about WOLVES,

A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser 
12. EPIPHANY (Loc: 78) Mikayla had an EPIPHANY as she sat in that old oak tree

Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan
11. DIARY (Loc: 5660) Dear DIARY I've been having - hash-tag - the worst time.
15. FRUITCAKE (Loc: 2851) and ate slices of Sadie's delicious FRUITCAKE,

Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton
14. PECULIAR (Loc: 664) You say that as though you're not PECULIAR yourself.


Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
3. CONFETTI (Pg. 36) One threw a bucket of CONFETTI over the kids.
13. CARNATION (Pg. 474)leaving the sky CARNATION pink and clementine orange.

Bewitching You by Viola Estrella
7. FUNERAL (Loc: 523) His FUNERAL had decided that for her.

Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
9. GRANDMOTHER (Loc: 3639) he asked his dead GRANDMOTHER.

Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson
6. DREAM (Loc: 3608) Hell no, not again - not the DREAM,

Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
18. OATMEAL (Loc: 630) I think these will stretch that OATMEAL a little bit.

In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig
2. CHAMPAGNE (Loc: 1552) I watched as that Kari woman pounded glass after glass of CHAMPAGNE.

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
20. BLOOD (Pg. 104): BLOOD poured into Baxter's eyes. 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
4. BOWL (Loc:524): Harry looked in the BOWL again.

Born in Fire by Nora Roberts
10. ALICE (character) (pg.283): ALICE Quinn had a boy. David they're calling him.

January Ravenclaw BOTB Mini: Island Hopping: DONE
It’s time to beat those winter blues! We’re going island hopping in Hawai’i! Choose ONE option for each of the eight main Hawaiian Islands.

Levels:
Level 1: 3 tasks
Level 2: 6 tasks
Level 3: 8 tasks

Points:
Level 1 Completion: 3 points
Level 2 Completion: 6 points
Level 3 Completion: 9 points
*There are NO participation points
*Completion means finishing the challenge within the given timeframe

Rules:
*Include your House name when you sign up
*All books must be at least 125 pages long (140 for YA)
*Re-reads are allowed
*For each book, you must include: a link to the book, the author's name, date finished
*If a task asks for an item on the cover, you MUST post the cover of the book
*When you have completed the challenge, post a new message with a link to your challenge (or copy it into a new post) and I will verify your books


Hawai’i
-Largest of the 8 main Hawaiian islands and largest of all U.S. islands
-Nicknames: The Island of Hawai’i, The Big Island, Hawai’i Island
-2010 Population: 185,079
-Color: ‘Ula’ula (red)
-Flower: Red Pua Lehua
-The island was created from 5 separate volcanoes, two of which are still active. Captain James Cook, the first European to explore the island, was killed on Hawai’i after a fight over the theft of a boat on February 14, 1779. Kona coffee is grown in the Kona region of Hawai’i.

Read book #1 in a series OR a book with a boat on the cover OR a book with “coffee” in the title or on the cover.
Shenanigans by T.B. Bond  (#1)

Kaho’olawe
-Smallest of the main Hawaiian islands
-Nickname: The Target Isle
-Population: Uninhabited
-Color: ‘Āhinahina (gray)
-Flower: Hinahina kū kahakai (Heliotrope)
-Around the year 1000, the island was settled by Hawaiians and small fishing communities were established along the coast. The island was originally a dry forest, but changed to a grassland savanna when inhabitants cleared the trees for firewood and agriculture. During WWII, Kaho’olawe was used as a training ground and bombing site for U.S. Armed Forces. Today can be used only for native Hawaiian cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes.

Read a book that has 125-175 pages OR a book with "fire" on the cover or in the title OR a book with “military” listed on its main page.
Summer of Change by Elena Aitken (150 pages)

Kaua’i
-Nickname: The Garden Isle
-Color: Poni (purple)
-2010 Population: 67,091
-Kaua’i is, geologically, the oldest of the main islands at over 6 million years old. In 2007, 1,271,000 people visited the island. Guava, coffee, sugarcane, mango, banana, papaya, avocado, star fruit, and pineapple are all grown and cultivated on Kaua’i. The island is also home to thousands of wild chickens that originated from the Polynesian settlers who brought them over as a food source.

Read a book with multiple plants/flowers on the cover OR a book that has been on your TBR for over a year OR a book with fruit on the cover.
Born in Fire by Nora Roberts (flowers on cover)

Lana’i
-Nickname: The Pineapple Isle
-Color: ‘Ālani (orange)
-Flower: Kauna’oa (Cuscuta)
-2010 Population: 3,102
-According to Hawaiian legends, man-eating spirits used to occupy the island. In 1922, James Dole bought the island and developed most of the land as a pineapple plantation. There are no traffic lights on the island.

Read a book with an orange cover OR a book with a ghost in the story OR a book with a man-made light of some kind on the cover.
How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire

Maui
-Nickname: The Valley Isle
-Color: ‘Ākala (pink)
-Flower: Lokelani (Damask Rose)
-2010 Population: 144,444
-Haleakalā, one of the volcanoes that formed the island, measures 5 miles from seafloor to summit, making it one of the tallest mountains in the world. The island is home to over 30 beaches and bays, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding, and wind and kite surfing. Maui has been named “Best Island in the World” numerous times.

Read a book with a 4 in the total number of pages OR a book with over 500 pages OR a book with a beach on the cover (must show the shoreline and the water).
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (662 pages)

Moloka’i
-Nickname: The Friendly Isle
-Color: ‘Ōma’oma’o (green)
-Flower: Kukui
-2010 Population: 7,345
-Moloka’i was first settled around 650 AD by people from the Marquesas Islands. Later migrants came from Tahiti and other South Pacific islands. Kalaupapa, a peninsula on the island, was home of a leper colony from 1866-1969. Moloka’i is believed to be the birthplace of the Hula.

Read a book that a friend has recommended OR a book where the main character works in a medical field OR a book where the main character moves to a new town/city/country.
In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig  (Physical therapist)


Ni’ihau
-Nickname: The Forbidden Isle
-Color: Ke’oke’o (white)
-Flower: Pūpū ke’oke’o (white shell)
-2009 Population: 130
-Ni’ihau is the westernmost of the eight main Hawaiian islands. During WWII, a Japanese Navy fighter pilot crashed on the island and terrorized the island’s residents for a week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The native people of the island speak Hawaiian as their primary language. The island is off-limits to all but relatives of the island’s owner, U.S. Navy personnel, and government officials. There are no telephone services or paved roads, no power lines and nor running water on Ni’ihau.

Read a book that was banned OR a book with “thriller” listed on its main page OR a book that was written in a language other than your native language.
The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory 

O’ahu
-Nickname: The Gathering Place
-Color: Melemele (yellow)
-Flower: ‘Illima (Sida)
-2012 Population: 976,372
-The capital and largest city in Hawai’I, Honolulu, is located on O’ahu. There is 227 miles of coastline on O’ahu. The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 brought the U.S. into WWII. Over 5 million people visit the island each year. Movies and TV shows that were filmed on the Island include: Forgetting Sarah Marshall, From Here to Eternity, Jurassic park, The Descendants, The Hunger Games – Catching Fire, Hawaii Five-O, Lost, and Magnum, P.I..

Read a book that takes place in a large city OR a book that takes place during a war OR a book that was based on a TV show or movie (or vice versa).
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling  

January Slytherin BOTB Mini: Wind Deities DONE
Levels:
Level 1: 3 tasks
Level 2: 6 tasks
Level 3: 8 tasks

Points:
Level 1 Completion: 3 points
Level 2 Completion: 6 points
Level 3 Completion: 9 points
*There are NO participation points
*Completion means finishing the challenge within the given timeframe

Rules:
*Include your House name when you sign up
*All books must be at least 125 pages long (140 for YA)
*Re-reads are allowed
*For each book, you must include: a link to the book, the author's name, date finished
*If a task asks for an item on the cover, you MUST post the cover of the book
*When you have completed the challenge, post a new message with a link to your challenge (or copy it into a new post) and I will verify your books


Aeolus
In Greek mythology, Aeolus was the ruler of the winds. He lived on the floating island of Aeloia and was visited by Odysseus and his crew in THE ODYSSEY. Aeolus hosted Odysseus and his crew for month, and provided them with the west wind to carry them home. Aeolus also gifted Odysseus with a bag of the other winds to aid in their journey home to Ithaca.
Read a book that takes place in Greece OR a book that takes place on an island OR a book with “travel” listed on its main page.

Ehecati
Ehecati is the wind deity in Aztec mythology. He is associated with the winds from all eight directions. His temple in Pino Suarez, Mexico was built as a cylinder in order to reduce air resistance. The altar was unearthed in 1967 during construction of the metro lines.
Read a book that takes place in Mexico OR a book with an 8 in its original publication date OR a book where something is uncovered (metaphorically or literally).
Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan  (first published October 18th 2012)

Fei Lian
Fei Lian is the Chinese god of the wind. He is a winged dragon with the head of a deer and the tail of a snake. He carries a bag of the winds and stirs up mischief and trouble.
Read a book that takes place in China OR a book with a dragon, deer, or snake on the cover OR a book with a main character who causes trouble.

Fujin
Fujin is the Japanese god of the wind. He is portrayed as a demon wearing leopard skin and carrying a large bag of winds on his shoulders.
Read a book that takes place in Japan OR a book with a cat on the cover OR a book with a demon of some kind in the story.
The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory 

Njord
In Norse mythology, Njord is the god associated with the sea, seafaring, wind, fishing, wealth, and crop fertility. In many families in the 18th and 19th centuries, Njord was given thanks after a bountiful catch of fish or safe return from the sea.
Read a book that is set in Norway, Sweden, or Finland OR a book with the sea/ocean on the cover OR a book first published in the 18th or 19th centuries.

Pazuzu
In Assyrian and Babylonian mythology, Pazuzu was the king of the demons of the wind. He represented the southwestern wind that brought storms and drought. Pazuzu is depecited as having the body of a man, the head of a lion or dog, talons of an eagle, two pairs of wings, and a scorpion’s tail. Though evil himself, he drives away other evil spirits.
Read a book that takes place in the Middle East OR a book with lightning on its cover OR a book with a villain you love.

Shu
Shu was the Egyptian god of the air, clouds, and fog. In Egyptian mythology, Shu arrived as a breath from the nose of the original god, Atum-Ra. He was considered to be cool and calm. Shu is always depicted in art wearing at least one ostrich feather, a symbol of light and emptiness.
Read a book that takes place in Egypt OR a book with “cool” or “calm” in the title OR a book with a bird on the cover.
Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton 

Tawhirimatea
Tawhirimatea is the Maori god of weather, including thunder and lightning, wind, clouds, and storms. He lives in the sky where he rules with his father and brother. In his anger with his brothers for separating their parents, he destroyed forests and caused flooding.
Read a book that takes place in New Zealand OR a book with the sky on the cover OR a book where the main character is angry with a family member. 

Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge - finished

December-January Mini Challenge hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

This is part of Hogwarts challenge.
My goal was 20 books including the ones I could add from back dating. I did have to upgrade and in the end 42 of the books I read since 9th of November fit this challenge.

DURATION: November 9, 2014 - February 1, 2015

Read The First Letter of Your House.

(Please make sure you have been sorted into a house, before you sign up.)

Your Bookshelf will need to reflect which House you belong too.

Earn .05 points for Each book Read for your House.
Earn .01 points for Each book Read from another House.

*Ravenclaw:(R)
*Slytherin:(S)
*Hufflepuff:(H)
*Gryffindor:(G)

Titles and Authors Initials will count.

My Goodreads post.
Books:

Ravenclaw:
Redwall by Brian Jacques
Reckless by Cornelia Funke
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Red Stilettos by Ruth Joseph
Murder Most Witchy by Emily Rylands
Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey
The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain
Fatal Boarding by E.R. Mason
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig

G:

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Glade Jul, 24 dejlige danske julenoveller edited by Michael Toubro

S:

The Warlock by Michael Scott
The Enchantress by Michael Scott
California Man by E.C. Sheedy
The Circus Is Coming by Noel Streatfeild
Introvert by Anna Skyggebjerg
Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi
A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
The Brands Who Came For Christmas by Maggie Shayne
The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
Into Your Arms by Abigail Strom
Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory 
Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
Shenanigans by T.B. Bond
Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs

H:

Den sidste stjerne by Hans Blangstrup Christensen
Driven to Date by Susan Hatler
Head Over Halo by Molly Snow
A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker
Unicorn Bait by S.A. Hunter
How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan
Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton
Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck 

The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SS - Finished

R4: Team Challenge SS (SS= Super Series) hosted by The Challenge Factory on Goodreads. 

This has now finished as another team passed place 100 and won. I did not read a book for the last week .
Hopefully a new round will start later this month and I will take part again.

Books read:

Week 1: Rolled 6 place 6 alternate: cover item: Tree(s): 
California Man by E.C. Sheedy  
Week 2: Rolled 8 place 14   #1
Family Magic by Patti Larsen (Hayle Coven #1)
Week 3: Rolled 7 place 21   #2
Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi (Guardian Angel #2) 
Week 4: Rolled 8 place 29   Alternate: Set in England
The Little Christmas Kitchen by Jenny Oliver 
Week 5: Rolled 10 place 39   Alternate: Set in England
Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour
Week 6: Rolled 11 place 50   standalone
A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker
Week 7: Rolled 4 place 54   Alternate: Title F 
Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
Week 8: Rolled 9 place 63   Alternate: Author T
Shenanigans by T.B. Bond  
Week 9: Rolled 9 place 73   Alternate: published 2009
Bewitching You by Viola Estrella(first published 2009)
Week 10: Rolled 4 place 77   Alternate: Author L
Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair 
Week 11: Rolled 12 place 89   # 8
Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey
Week 12: Rolled 2 place 91  
Another group passed place 100 and won, I didn't read a book for this week.

The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS - Finished

R5: Team Challenge SSS (SSS = Super Speedy Series) hosted by The Challenge Factory on Goodreads.

This has now finished as another team passed place 100 and won. I did not read a book for the last week .
Hopefully a new round will start later this month and I will take part again.
 
Books read:
 
Roll 1 (November 13th): roll 5 ➜ space 5:
California Man by E.C. Sheedy (Alternate - Title C)
Roll 2 (November 16th): roll 6 ➜ space 11:
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (Alternate - friendship shelf)
Roll 3 (November 20th): roll 2 ➜ space 13:
The Circus Is Coming by Noel Streatfeild (Shoes #3)
Roll 4 (November 23th): roll 5 ➜ space 18:
Family Magic by Patti Larsen (Hayle Coven #1)
Roll 5 (November 30th): roll 4 ➜ space 22:
Sun Kissed by Skyla Madi (Guardian Angel #2)
Roll 6 (December 4th ): roll 5 ➜ space 27:
Driven to Date by Susan Hatler (Better Date than Never #7)
Roll 7 (December 7th ): roll 6 ➜ space 33:
The Little Christmas Kitchen by Jenny Oliver (Alternate - Title L)
Roll 8 (December 11th ): roll 4 ➜ space 37
Loveable Christmas Angel by Mimi Barbour (Angels with Attitude #3)
Roll 9 (December 14th ): roll 3 ➜ space 40
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (standalone)
Roll 10 (December 18th ): roll 5 ➜ space 45
Enchanted Secrets by Kristen Middleton (Alternate - published 2012)
Roll 11 (December 21st ): roll 4 ➜ space 49
Unicorn Bait by S.A. Hunter (Alternate - Author S)
Roll 12 (December 21st ): roll 5 ➜ space 54
Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey (Alternate - Title F)
Roll 13 (January 3rd ): roll 4 ➜ space 59 (should only be 58)
Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson (Alternate - published 2013)
Roll 14 (January 7th ): roll 4 ➜ space 63
Shenanigans by T.B. Bond (Alternate - Author T)
Roll 15 (January 10th ): roll 3 ➜ space 65 (had to subtract one because of earlier mistake)
Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton (Alternate: Purple cover)
Roll 16 (January 14th ): roll 6 ➜ space 71
Bewitching You by Viola Estrella (Bewitching Women # 1)
Roll 17 (January 18th ): roll 4 ➜ space 75
Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle (Alternate - Title S)
Roll 18 (January 21st ): roll 6 ➜ space 81
Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews (Alternate - The Best)
Roll 19 (January 25th ): roll 2 ➜ space 83
Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey (# 8)
Roll 20 (January 25th ): roll 4 ➜ space 87
Another group passed place 100 and won, I didn't read a book for this week. 

January 2015 Update

 


I have read 23 books in January, a total of 6828 pages. That is a lot. This was mainly because of taking part in the Hogwarts challenge in the group A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

My list of books:
  1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
  2. Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
  3. The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory 
  4. How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
  5. Life's a Witch by Elizabeth A. Reeves
  6. Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
  7. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond 
  8. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser 
  9. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan  
  10. Pretty in Black by Rae Hachton
  11. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
  12. Bewitching You by Viola Estrella 
  13. Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
  14. Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson
  15. Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs
  16. Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
  17. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
  18. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews 
  19. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 
  20. Coven by K.A. Young
  21. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
  22. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
  23. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts 

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Born in Fire by Nora Roberts

Maggie and Brianna Concannon are very different. The calm and gentle Brie seems able to weather any storm, even the constant criticism that rains down on them both from their mother, but Maggie is a passionate and fiery artist whose temper is as bold as her art. Their mother's bitterness is a mystery to the sisters. until secrets from the past challenge everything they've come to believe.
It's Maggie's skill as a glass blower that brings Rogan Sweeney, the international gallery owner, to her small cottage in County Clare. 
His interest in her is purely professional, until their personalities clash and sparks begin to fly... As her career takes off, how will Maggie cope with the heat of the spotlight and feelings for Rogan that she would rather ignore? From the back of the book.




This was very good, not just a quick romance. There is a lot about family and what makes Maggie who she is and why she has decided never to marry. The relationships with her father, mother and sister are all very interesting. Rogan is a successful businessman and thinks he can keep business and private life separate but of course that is impossible. I will try to get the next in the series from the library. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Crazy Challenge Connection A-Z Locations - 2014
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge
Crazy Challenge Connection Read your age
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: I Like Big Books Bonus Club

I Like Big Books Bonus Club hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I Like Big Books Bonus Club
January 1- December 31, 2015


Lets give those big book readers some extra credit!!

How it works:
-Create a thread to track the books that meet the following criteria:
400 and above page books= 1 points (added in April)
500 and above page books= 2 points
700 and above page books= 3 points
900+ and above books= 5 points

-You will only need one thread for the whole year, just separate books out by month

-At the end of the month, submit your points to your house's homework box!

-For this challenge, you may backdate to the beginning of the month that you begin the challenge and count any books that meet the page number criteria.

-Use the edition you read for page numbers.

-Audiobooks and large print books are allowed but must use the most popular Goodreads page number.

Please post your house name when signing up.  


List of books:

January:
  1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss = 2 points
  2. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck = 2 points

 February:
  1. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness = 2 points

 March:
No books above 500 pages read.

April:
  1. Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky (432 pages) = 1 point
  2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling  (734 pages) = 3 points
  3. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (994 pages) = 5 points
May:
  1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (901 pages) = 5 points
  2. The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (441 pages) = 1 point
  3. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (452 pages) = 1 point
  4. The Magicians by Lev Grossman  (488 pages) = 1 point
June:
  1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling  (652 pages) = 2 point
  2. All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot (552 pages) = 2 point
  3. The Recovery Room by Ann Ormsby (450 pages) = 1 point
  4. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton (435 pages) = 1 point
✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿
Hogwarts has stopped but I will continue this challenge the rest of the year.
 ✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿

July:

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey

Everyone, holder and dragonrider alike, pitched in to help--except Nerilka's father, who refused to share Fort Hold's bounty with the other holds. So, ashamed of her family and determined to doher part, Nerilka packed up medicines and supplies and sneaked off to aid her people.Her quest to help wherever she was most neded led her finally to Ruatha Hold, where Lord Alessan was frantically inoculations against the dread plague.
Nerilika had long ago abandoned the hope of marraige and a home of her own. Now she found happiness in being useful and appreciated---first the Healers and then Alessan made very clear that they were grateful for her help.
She had no idea that her new path would change the course of her life forever!
 
From Goodreads.





This is a re-read and I was surprised how much I actually remembered from this book as I started reading. Nerilka is a very caring young woman who decides to help out when the plaque hits, opposing her father and leaving her home in secrecy to do this. She is a very strong woman who longs to be useful but also to be appreciated for her work. There is a lot of loss in this book but it has a happy ending.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SS
The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward

Alexis Grayson is good at looking after herself-she's been doing it all her life. So what if she's alone and pregnant? She'll cope! But gorgeous cowboy Connor Madsen seems determined to take care of her. And Alexis can help him-he needs a temporary wife; she needs somewhere to live until the baby's born. A short-term marriage will solve all their difficulties!
As Alexis gets to know the courageous, honorable Connor, she realizes that she might have made the biggest mistake of her life. Because all this wife-for-hire wants is a marriage for real!
From Goodreads.





This was an easy, quick read. Predictable but sweet.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (1/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Monday, January 26, 2015

Coven by K.A. Young

Elise Michaels' motto has always been: no guts, no glory. She is a thrill seeker, continually craving excitement and adventure. The idea of being tied down to a place or man never interested her, even though a betrothal spell was cast linking her and the Head of Council’s son when they were mere infants.
Being a distant third in succession to assume the Head Mistress role, she felt confident that her secret would remain in her past along with Coven life. Unfortunately, nothing in our fun loving heroine’s future is anything she or anyone from the supernatural realm is prepared for.
Now, she’s forced to return to the place and the Sorcerer she so desperately sought to forget.
Elise has no idea the power and gifts that await her. Can she let go of her own desires and embrace her new role? Or will she surrender to the faceless evil coming for them all?
From Goodreads.




This was good, I was a bit afraid that it would be a problem that this was a spin-off series of another series but it wasn't. Elise isn't happy about having to take over as headmistress of the coven and not all of the mistress' are happy about it either. I like that we meet several different paranormals in this book and they are working together. I am sure I will read more of this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (2/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard! From Goodreads.





I can't even remember when I read this for the first time but looking in my old paperback it was bought for me in 2000 and I am sure I read it right away. This book is still just as good as the first time I read it. Not the same surprises of course but instead I can look forward to things like all the letters arriving, Hagrid turning up and not least the friendship developing between Harry, Ron and Hermione.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: December-January Mini Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (3/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015

A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon 2015 - Goal & Update

A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon hosted by



Total Books finished: 7
Total Pages read: 1766

January 26th: 427 pages
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (178 pages - finished)
Coven by K.A. Young (249 pages - finished)

January 27th: 374 pages
Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward (192 pages - finished)
Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey (182 pages - finished)

January 28th: 0 pages

January 29th: 340 pages
Born in Fire by Nora Roberts (340 pages - finished)

January 30th: 0 pages

January 31st: 0 pages

February 1st: 625 pages
Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla (279 pages - finished)
Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron (346 pages - finished)

Books I need to read for January Challenges:
  1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (currently reading, need to finish)
  2. Coven by K.A. Young
  3. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
  4. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts 
  5. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
Books for February Challenges: (not as important but can be read in January)
  1.  Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Walmart and magic is a fairytale–and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…
Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.
But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life . William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.
When William’s and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed…and survive.
From Goodreads.


This was a great second book in this series. When I read the first book I didn't realise that each book would be about different characters but that is okay. William we met in the first book and both he and Cerise are very likeable strong characters. I also liked the young people Gaston and Lark.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
I love Library books 2015
The Challenge Factory - R5: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Tower Teams III
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: ELF of the SHELF
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: January Challenges (3/9)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members