Saturday, February 28, 2015

February 2015 Update

Henne Beach February 2015

February was only 28 days but I still managed to read 20 books, in total 6097 pages. Again, as it might happen the rest of the year, the amount of books read is due to the Hogwarts challenge oin the group A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

List of books:
  1. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
  2. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
  3. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
  4. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg 
  5. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
  6. A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams
  7. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
  8. Love is a Thief by Claire Garber 
  9. Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee 
  10. Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee 
  11. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 
  12. Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs
  13. Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller
  14. Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee 
  15. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
  16. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
  17. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns
  18. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 
  19. Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
  20. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Thursday, February 26, 2015

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off - Finished

Hogwarts Face Off hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I chose to do Ravenclaw VS Gryffindor. After reading 19 books for this challenge Ravenclaw won the challenge with 1 star more than Gryffindor.
19 books = 6.9 points


This is a face-off challenge. You will choose TWO houses that will face-off against each other. After you have read the books for each task and spelled out the founder house names, you will need to post the date completed and your rating. The house with the highest ratings wins the face-off.

Each house has the founders first name that you will need to spell out using the title of your book, the authors first OR last name (no middle initials), or the series name.

You will also need to complete the three tasks under each character from the houses you have chosen.

You have 3 months to complete this challenge.

*You may use a book twice during this challenge.
*Re-reads are allowed.

POINT SYSTEM

.10 points for each book read
2 points for participation
5 points for completion of the challenge


Ravenclaw: 45 stars / 12 = 3.75 stars

Spell Out:

R: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (★★★★)
O: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (★★★)
W: Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee  (★★★★)
E: Summer of Change by Elena Aitken (★★★)
N: Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey (★★★★★)
A: The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory (★★★★)

Moaning Myrtle - Killed by Salazar Slytherin's basilisk under the orders of Lord Voldemort. Is a ghost who haunts the first-floor girls bathroom. Was often teased by other students attending Hogwarts.
• Read a book with ghosts in it.
How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire (★★★)
• Read a book where someone is murdered.
Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant (★★★★)
• Read a book where the main character deals with bullies.
Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard  (★★★)

Luna Lovegood - Daughter of Xenophilius Lovegood, editor of The Quibbler. Abducted by Death Eaters and held imprisoned in the dungeons on Malfoy Manor. Rescued by Dobby.
• Read a book with a book/magazine editor as the main character.
Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee  (★★★★)
• Read a book that has dungeons.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (★★★★★)
• Read a book with elves in it.
Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle (★★★)

Gryffindor: 44 stars / 12 = 3.66 stars average

Spell Out:

G: Love is a Thief by Claire Garber (★★★)
O: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (★★★)
D: A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser (★★★)
R: Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron (★★★)
I: In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig (★★★★)
C: How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire (★★★)

Albus Dumbledore - Headmaster of Hogwarts. Most famous for his defeat of Gellert Grindelwald, the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood and his work on alchemy with Nicolas Flamel. Founded and led the Order of the Phoenix. Was the wielder and master of the elder wand from 1945-1997.
• Read a book that has a dragon on the cover.
Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey (★★★★★)
• Read a book that is published between 1945-1997.
Born in Fire by Nora Roberts   (published 1994) (★★★★)
• Read a book that features a headmaster/principal/professor.
Coven by K.A. Young (★★★★)

Harry Potter - One of the most famous wizards of modern time. Was orphaned at the age of one year and three months, when his parents were murdered by Lord Voldemort. Best friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Taught and led Dumbledore's Army.
• Read a book that features someone famous.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (★★★★★)
• Read a book about an orphan.
Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson (Iris is an orphan) (★★★)
• Read a book about close friends.
In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig  (★★★★)

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: February Challenges - Finished

February Challenges hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I managed to finish all 5 February challenges.

Taking Attendance ☀ (Tracking post) DONE
MASH with a Slytherin ☀ (Tracking post) DONE
Sharp Things ☀ (Tracking post) DONE
The Babysitters Club ☀ (Tracking post) DONE
FEB15 Scavenger Hunt ☀ (Tracking post) DONE


Taking Attendance - DONE

How it works:
Headmistress Greta wants to take attendance to see how many Ravenclaw members are in class. You are assigned to assist her. Using the class list below, match the first letter of a student's first or last name with the first or last name of your book's author. Once you've read the matching book, you may mark the student as present.

Books may be used only one time - one book per student.

Either initial to match, but it must be the SAME initial - first name initial to first name initial or last name initial to last name initial.
*Each student you mark as present is worth 1 point, for the first 5 students.
*0.25 points for every student present beyond the first five,
*1 bonus point if you are a Ravenclaw House member.
*3 books minimum to receive points.

Rules:
-Remember to include your House name when you sign up!
-Books must be at least 125 pages in length (Y.A. is 140)
-Re-read ARE allowed
-Fan Fiction and Beta books are NOT allowed
-Magna, Comic Books, and Graphic Novels are NOT allowed


16 books read = 8.75 points

Ravenclaw Class List
✔ Luna Lovegood: Amanda M. Lee: Witching on a Star
✔ Sybill Trelawney: Johnny B. Truant: Fat Vampire
Marcus Belby
Cho Chang: Claire Garber: Love is a Thief
Myrtle: Madison Johns: Meows, Magic & Murder
✔ Padma Patil: Siomonn Pulla: Raven's Key: A Novel
Terry Boot: Teddy Jacobs: Sword Bearer
Michael Corner
Roger Davies
Anthony Goldstein: A.V. Scott: High Heels in New York
Marietta Edgecombe
Robert Hilliard: Rachael Herron: Cora's Heart
Uric the Oddball
✔ Gilderoy Lockhart: Amanda M. Lee: Witching You Were Here
Penelope Clearwater
Lisa Turpin: Laurie Kellog: The Parent Pact
✔ Isobel MacDougal: Jonathan Moeller: Child of the Ghosts
Mandy Brocklehurst
Nanette Desford
Maria Glossop
✔ Helena Ravenclaw. by J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Filius Flitwick: Angie Fox: The Accidental Demon Slayer
Millicent Bagnold
Quirinus Quirrell
Garrick Ollivander
✔ Sue Li: Amanda M. Lee: Every Witch Way But Wicked 
Stephen Cornfoot: Sara Shepard: Pretty Little Liars
S. Fawcett
Ignatia Wildsmith: Ilona Andrews: Burn for Me


MASH with a Slytherin - DONE

M* A* S* H*
(Random Number, put in 1 -4)For Each section. Read a book that starts with the Leter in ().You will read one book for each category.


BOYS
2.Severus Snape(S)
Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs

CAREER
2.Criminal(C)
Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron

CITIES
1.London(L)
Love is a Thief by Claire Garber 

VEHICLES
4.Private Jet(P)
The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg

MASH
(A):Apartment
The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

I Live in a Apartment with my boyfriend Severus Snape. We live in London, Where I work as a Criminal that paid for my very own Private Jet.

Picture of Snape with a love note.

Post your info, with books Read(Example, Boys:Draco Malfoy(D):Book:Dracula

At the end say what you ended up with:
I Live in a (MASH)with my boyfriend (Boy). We live in (city), Where I work as a (career) that paid for my very own (Vehicle).

Point Scale
1 point per task for a total of 5 points
1 extra point if you are a Slytherin
1 extra point if you post a picture of your "boyfriend" with a love note in the common rooms.



Sharp Things - DONE

For this Mini Challenge, you will read books with the name of sharp things in the title or on the book's cover.

For clarification:
1. If you could stab or slice someone with that object - it will work.
*A Fork would be accepted, a Spoon would not
2. Words such as "Axed" in the title are allowed

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
*Fan Fiction and BETA reads are NOT 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 

  1. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
  2. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
  3. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
  4. Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs
  5. Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller
  6. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
  7. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns
  8. Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

The Babysitters Club - DONE

I'm not a collector of things. However, growing up I collected all the Babysitter's Club books. The Babysitters Club is a series of children's books written by Ann M. Martin. The series is about a group of middle school students living in the fictional town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut. They run a business called "The Baby-Sitters Club" (BSC for short) that helps parents find babysitters from the club. 213 books have been published in the series.

Levels:
Level 1: 3 tasks
Level 2: 6 tasks
Level 3: 8 tasks
*No matter what level you choose, you MUST complete the BSC task!

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
*Fan Fiction and BETA reads are NOT 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


BSC - REQUIRED TASK
☎ Read a book with a title that begins with a B, S, or C (ignore a, an, the)
 Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron

Club Members
Kristy Amanda Thomas
Club position: President
Birthday: August 20
Appearance: Long brown hair usually worn in a ponytail, brown eyes
Personality: Bossy, big mouth, tomboy, coaches sports
Kristy's Great Idea (The Baby-Sitters Club, #1) by Ann M. Martin

☎ Read a book first published in August OR a book where the main character is the boss OR a book where the main character is involved in a sport of some kind
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews  


Claudia Lynn Kishi
Club position: Vice President
Birthday: July 11
Appearance: Japanese descent, long jet black hair, almond shaped brown eyes, wild fashion sense
Personality: Creative, artistic, trendy, sophisticated, loves junk food and Nancy Drew novels
Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls (The Baby-Sitters Club, #2) by Ann M. Martin

☎ Read a book first published in July OR a book where the main character is an artist OR a book with “mystery” on its main page.
Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee


Mary Anne Spier
Club position: Secretary
Birthday: September 22
Appearance: Long brown hair, brown eyes, reading glasses
Personality: Organized, BFF’s with Kristy, sensitive, shy
Mary Anne Saves the Day (The Baby-Sitters Club, #4) by Ann M. Martin

Read a book first published in September OR a book with a main character who wears glasses OR a book with a strong theme of friendship
Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant (First published September 29th 2012)

Stacey Elizabeth Mcgill
Club position: Treasurer
Birthday: April 3
Appearance: Permed blonde hair, blue eyes, tall, lean
Personality: Stylish, native New Yorker, has diabetes, good at math, logical
The Truth About Stacey (The Baby-Sitters Club, #3) by Ann M. Martin

☎ Read a book first published in April OR a book that takes place in New York OR a book that deals with illness or disease
A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams

Dawn Read Schafer
Club position: Alternate Officer, Treasurer
Birthday: February 5
Appearance: Long pale blonde hair, blue eyes, California cool style
Personality: Grew up in CA, vegetarian, environmentalist
Dawn and the Impossible Three (The Baby-Sitters Club, #5) by Ann M. Martin

☎ Read a book first published in February OR a book that takes place in California OR a book with an outdoor nature scene on the cover
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Mallory Pike
Club Position: Junior Officer
Birthday: May 2
Appearance: Curly reddish brown hair, brown eyes, glasses, braces
Personality: Oldest of 8 kids, self conscious about glasses and braces, loves drawing and writing, wants to become children’s author and illustrator
Hello, Mallory (The Baby-Sitters Club, #14) by Ann M. Martin

Read a book first published in May OR a book where the main character has red hair OR a book where the main character is self-conscious about his/her appearance
Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller

Jessi Davis Ramsey
Club Position: Junior Officer
Birthday: June 30
Appearance: African American, black hair usually worn in a bun, brown eyes, long legs
Personality: From New Jersey, learns sign language, ballet dancer
Jessi's Secret Language (The Baby-Sitters Club, #16) by Ann M. Martin

Read a book first published in June OR a book where the main character is a dancer OR a book with legs on the cover (only legs, no torso)
High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott (First published June 17th 2012)


FEB15 Scavenger Hunt - DONE
FEBRUARY
2/1/2015-2/28/2015


Total: 20/20  in 19 books = 5.95 points

1. ARROW
2. PINK CLOTHING
3. VALENTINE
4. PRESIDENT
5. GEORGE (Character)
6. FOOTPRINT
7. FAT
8. LENT
9. FORTY
10. ROBIN
11. ASH
12. VIOLET
13. PURE
14. SUPER
15. COUPLE
16. PEPPERMINT
17. CHERRY
18. SHADOW
19. HEART
20. LOVE

RULES:
1. Must read more than 3 books.
2. NO Audiobooks, Children's, Manga, Fan Fiction, or Beta reads.
3. Page minimums: All = 125 pp; YA = 140 pp
4. Items found in reading, not in title or on cover.
5. No more than 5 items per book.
6. In your post, list TITLE, PAGE #, and SENTENCE where the item can be found.
7. For non-fiction the caption texts are not allowed, however, anything within the main text or article would be allowed.
8. For e-readers, use LOC#.
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


Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
5. GEORGE (Character) (Loc: 244) My name is GEORGE Miskwaadesi and this is my Grandfather, Iyash Miskwaadesi.

Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
3. VALENTINE (Loc: 123) VALENTINE was the best thing she'd gotten from being married to Logan.
10. ROBIN (Loc: 4127) Cora looked up at a ROBIN that wheeled past.
 

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
11. ASH (Pg: 109) The flame vanished, and he blew ASH from his fingers.

The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg
2. PINK CLOTHING (Loc: 1110) and Tyler's gaze dipped to pale PINK SHORTS hugging the soft curve of her bottom.

High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
4. PRESIDENT (Loc: 403) Darling, I'm not only a member, I'm the damn PRESIDENT, Angie laughed,

A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams
19. HEART (Loc: 1005) I love that city with all my HEART, but I couldn't live there.

Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
18. SHADOW (Loc: 939) diving into pools of SHADOW behind her and keeping his footsteps light.

Love is a Thief by Claire Garber 
20. LOVE (Pg: 293) I absolutely LOVE your work.

Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee
15. COUPLE (Loc: 708) After a COUPLE of hours of work, I decided to break for lunch.

Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee 
14. SUPER (Loc: 1373) That's my SUPER power.

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 
16. PEPPERMINT (Pg: 19) and the faint scent of lavender and PEPPERMINT he detected,

Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs
1. ARROW (Loc: 1321) and propel the sword to you, flying through the air like an ARROW if need be.

Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller
8. LENT (Loc: 1792) Maglarion suspected that a charged emotional state LENT all the more power..

Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee
9. FORTY (Loc: 545) She was an attractive woman, about FORTY if I had to guess.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
12. VIOLET (Pg: 91) It was swollen and already turning a attractive shade of blue and VIOLET.

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
17. CHERRY (Loc: 3620) Think of CHERRY pie filling.

Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns
13. PURE (Loc: 605) if you do so with a PURE heart, which we all have here today.

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
6. FOOTPRINT (Loc: 1753) certain they'd spot a stray FOOTPRINT.

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
7. FAT (Pg: 30) I'm so happy to see big FAT trees.

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Three years ago, Alison disappeared after a slumber party, not to be seen since. Her friends at the elite Pennsylvania school mourned her, but they also breathed secret sighs of relief. Each of them guarded a secret that only Alison had known. Now they have other dirty little secrets, secrets that could sink them in their gossip-hungry world. When each of them begins receiving anonymous emails and text messages, panic sets in. Are they being betrayed by some one in their circle? Worse yet: Is Alison back? A strong launch for a suspenseful series. From Goodreads.





This was okay but no more than that. It is a book about 4 spoilt rich kids who have loads of secrets. I might have liked it better if there actually had been an ending to the story and if it had said who the bully was. It doesn't and I am not sure it is revealed till book 7 or 8 or something like that. Not a series I am going to continue.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (2/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Clue - Finished

Clue hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I have now finished two games of Clue and it has been quite fun. I didn't win either but I am fine with that and I will definitely take part again.

AMMP Clue Game: ROUND 4

Object: Be the first detective to determine which Suspect killed Mr. Boddy, in which Room and using which Weapon.

Rules:
The game will be played between 3-6 people and will end when someone correctly guesses the Suspect, Room and Weapon. We will use Rooms from the Clue game board and two dice. To play, sign up in the sign up thread, you will be paired with others, and we will create a separate discussion thread for your game. The Mod will determine the murder Suspect, Weapon and Room and will "deal" you your hand by sending you a private message (PM).

Once you have finished your turn, you can immediately start another turn. You don't have to wait for the other players to take their turns. When playing the game, please be considerate of the others playing and respond to their messages within one day.

Rereads are allowed.

Books must be started AFTER your dice roll.

Levels of Play
We want to try and match players with others of similar reading habits. When signing up, please indicate at which of the 3 levels you'll play:

Casual Reader: up to 70 books per year
Heavy Reader: 70-140 books per year
Fanatic Reader: more than 140 books per year


How to play:

1. Roll the dice. You can choose the number on either of your dice or add the two numbers together to choose your move.

Example: you roll 5 + 3
5 is the Library
3 is the Conservatory
5 + 3 = 8 is the Lounge

The dice numbers represent the following rooms/choices:
1- Return to Last Room Best Epic Fantasy List
2- Ballroom All Time Favorite Romance Novels List
3- Conservatory Best Historical Fiction List
4- Billiard Room Best Crime & Mystery Books
5- Library Best Horror Novels List
6- Study 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List
7- Hall Best Young Adult Books List
8- Lounge Best Non-Fiction Books List
9- Dining Room Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Books List
10- Kitchen Thrillers Book List
11- Stay Where You Are Best Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction List
12- Secret Passage to Any Room- When using a Secret Passage, choose one of your opponents, visit their home page, click on the "Compare Books" link, and choose one book to read that you both have in common.


2. To Enter A Room and Make a Suggestion:

Choose from one of these options-

OPTION 1:
Each room has a designated book list. Click on the link for that list and choose one book to read.

OPTION 2: MATCH the first letter of either your Suspect OR Weapon OR Room with the first letter in your book's title OR the author's first or last name.

Suspects:
Miss Scarlet- S
Colonel Mustard- M
Professor Plum- P
Mr. Green- G
Mrs. White- W
Mrs. Peacock- P

Weapons:
Rope- R
Lead Pipe- L
Knife- K
Wrench- W
Candlestick- C
Pistol- P


**This is a change from the ROUND 1 and 2 games. You will only read 1 book per turn, and you have a choice which option to use. You do not have to fulfill both options with your book choice.

Make a suggestion to the designated player on your discussion thread (player designation will be assigned by Mod at start of game). You can make your suggestion before you finish your book, but your turn will not be complete until you finish your book and post your book's title, date completed and rating.

4. To Prove Someone True or False: Post either "I can prove you wrong," OR "I cannot prove you wrong," on the discussion thread. If you can prove them wrong (meaning you have one of those cards in your hand), THEN send that player a PM stating which card (choose only one card) you have.

5. If the first person cannot prove you wrong, then make your suggestion to the next designated player on the list and so on until either someone proves you wrong or you've asked all other players.

6. Your turn ends when someone has told you which card they have AND you have read your book. You may then begin another turn by rolling the dice.

Making a Final Accusation:
You can make a final accusation at the start of any new turn. You DO NOT have to be in the room you're guessing. Simply state in your discussion thread that you're making your final accusation and which suspect, weapon and room you are guessing. The Mod will tell you whether you are right or wrong. If you are wrong, you are done playing and the Mod will redistribute your cards to the other players. If you are right, YOU WIN!

If you have questions about these rules, please see the Questions Thread 


My guesses:
1: Miss Scarlet in the Ballroom with the pistol.  - My book choice: Shenanigans by T.B. Bond
2: Prof. Plum in the Dining Room with the Lead Pipe -  My book choice: A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser
3: Miss Scarlet in The Conservatory with the Lead Pipe - My book choice:Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
___________________________________________________________________________
New game
My guesses: 
1: Mrs. White in the Library with a Rope. - My book choice: In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig
2: Professor Plum in the Billiard room with a Rope. - My book choice: Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
3: Professor Plum in the Study with a Rope. - My book choice: Born in Fire by Nora Roberts
4. Miss Scarlet in the Library with a pistol - My book choice: Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
5. Miss Scarlet in the Ballroom with a knife - My book choice: The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg
6.  Miss Scarlet in the Hall with a Pistol - My book choice: High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
7. Colonel Mustard in the Ballroom with Rope - My book choice: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
8. Colonel Mustard in the Conservatory with Rope - Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns
___________________________________________________________________________

List of books:
  1. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond  
  2. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser
  3. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
  4. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
  5. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
  6. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts  
  7. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
  8. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg
  9. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
  10. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness  
  11. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns

Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.
Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.
Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.
From Goodreads.







Kelley Armstrong is one of my favourite authors and though this is not her Women of the Otherworld series, it is a brilliant fantasy book. It has it all, a dark story, commitment, loyalty, betrayal and creatures that should not exist. I am looking forward to the next instalment, hopefully in April. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Crazy Challenge Connection A-Z Locations - 2014
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (2/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Butterbeer Recipe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

Monday, February 23, 2015

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.
And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.
But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone--or something--starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself.
 
From Goodreads.

This is one of my favourite series ever. They are so much fun at the same time as there is a lot of action. Dobby and Moaning Myrtle are two very sad but entertaining characters in this book.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (1/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns

Petunia Patterson’s life was turned upside down when she discovered a body in her new neighbor, Noah Becker's back yard. It’s bad enough that her cat, Pansy, had gotten into his house—especially when Pansy wasn’t a cat at all, but Jeremy Walters, a man she gave a love potion to, which transformed him into a cat.
Soon Petunia was a person of interest and she teams up with Noah to clear her name when all the evidence points to Petunia. If they don’t figure who the Knitting Needle Killer was, and soon, would she be the one that would have to answer for the crimes? 
From Goodreads.





A quite fun, cosy mystery. Petunia is not a witch or so she says. That she by mistake has turned an ex boyfriend into a cat has nothing to do with witchcraft, that is just a love potion gone bad. I will be keeping an eye out for the next book in this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (3/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

Saturday, February 21, 2015

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

It's never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl. For Lizzie Brown, that's just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she's seen it all, Lizzie learns she's a demon slayer-and all hell is after her.
Of course, that's not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you've never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn't work, how dangerous could a little seduction be...? From Goodreads.







I like books about witches, I like silly, funny books. This was unfortunately just too silly. I am not going to look for more books in this series or anything else from this author.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (4/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

Friday, February 20, 2015

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Dust Off Those Cobwebs (POFM)

Dust Off Those Cobwebs (POFM) hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

POFM = Pick One For Me is a monthly challenge that is ongoing. Every month on the 15th another participant will chose 3 books for me to read from a designated shelf within the next month. It is a very easygoing challenge as we just get a point for each book we finish.
Update April 2015: The date has changed for this challenge. It now runs monthly.

Round 12: 30/2-14/3 DONE
Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas
Raven by Suzy Turner
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

Round 13: 15/3-30/4 Done
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky 
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Round May:
Penelope by Anya Wylde
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Round June:
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
A Stitch in Time by Amanda James
First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

Round July: DONE
Fire And Ice by Dana Stabenow
Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder
Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Round August: DONE
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

Round September (September 2):  DONE
Born in Shame by Nora Roberts
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Round October: Did not read any of these books in October!
Hyddenworld by William Horwood
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb

Round November: (only read one)
I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet
The Art of Becoming Homeless by Sara Alexi
Dusk Conspiracy by Lakisha Spletzer

Round December: (read two)
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Soul Mate by Richard Crawford
Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.
From Goodreads.



Katy, the new girl in town, meets her neighbours, Daemon and Dee who turn out to be aliens. It is not safe for them or humans to be friends but of course it happens and now they have to deal with it. They must fight the evil Arum before they steal their powers and kill them all. I will definitely try to get hold of the next one from the library. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (2/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Butterbeer Recipe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: All About the Stars
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Hunger Games
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
Nothing but Reading Challenges - 50 States Challenge

Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee

When you're a witch, being wicked comes naturally. For the Winchester witches, though, being wicked is only half the fun. After a long winter, spring has finally hit Hemlock Cove and Bay Winchester thinks things are finally settling down in the town - and with her family. Unfortunately, just the opposite is true. As a way to distract Aunt Tillie, the Winchester family has decided to give her a new project: Her own greenhouse. As construction starts, though, Bay is approached by a young girl - one she quickly realizes is no longer among the living - and given a task. The litter girl wants her mother - and she wants Bay to find her. If that wasn't bad enough, Bay's boss has brought in a consultant who wants to up The Monitor's production to three times a week, Bay's father and uncles are in the midst of opening their own rival inn - which has the middle generation of Winchester witches in a tizzy (and Aunt Tillie on the warpath) - and FBI agent Landon Michaels is finally embracing the truth about witchcraft. In short order, Bay finds out that there may be more than one ghost in need of help, Landon is still suspicious when it comes to the Winchesters and Aunt Tillie finds she has an unlikely suitor in pursuit of her curmudgeonly affections, which doesn't stop her from cursing the youngest witches in the family when the mood hits. It's just a normal week in Hemlock Cove - that is until the truth about two small ghosts blows sky high and brings a world of trouble to the Winchester witches' doorstep. From Goodreads.

I still like this series but after reading 3 in a very short space of time, they start to seem a bit the same. The author is using the exact same sentences as in previous books. It is still a fun cosy witch series and I will read the last book in the series soon as well.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (2/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller

When her life is torn apart by sorcery and murder, young Caina Amalas joins the Ghosts, the legendary spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar. She learns the secrets of disguise and stealth, of assassination and infiltration.
But even that might not be enough to save her.
For the evil that destroyed her family seeks to devour the entire world...
From Goodreads.





This was an interesting and quite dark fantasy. Caina's mother renders the whole house useless with poor sorcery and hands over her daughter to an outlaw sorcerer in her quest for power. Caina survives the ordeal but joins The Ghosts in a quest both for revenge and in a effort to save the world.
I like that this book does not end on a cliffhanger, this story finishes. I will read more in this series at some point

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (4/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List 

Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs

You swing a staff until you're ready to swing a sword. Then you go on all kinds of adventures - fighting monsters, casting spells and saving damsels in distress. At least that's how it's supposed to work, but I didn't believe a word of it.
BOOK ONE OF THE EPIC FANTASY SERIES RETURN OF THE DRAGONS
Locked in his room in the castle, young Anders yearns for adventure. Until the day he opens a magic portal and a girl bursts into his locked room with a chemical warlock hot on her trail.
And adventure finds him -- an adventure full of danger, full of blood, fire, demons and evil. To face it, he'll need the sword given him by his blademaster, need the ancient words his grandfather gave him on his deathbed. Need the song that runs in his own blood, in his veins.
A sword will be reforged, magic words discovered, battles fought, friends made and lost, secrets revealed. And blood will be spilled. But will blade, word and blood be enough?
From Goodreads.

This is clearly a YA fantasy and I have rated it as such. Anders is not happy with his life, locked up in his room to study most of the time and with a serious acne problem. Everything suddenly changes and he is on the run with strangers. Everything seems to work out for him until the end when a few things go bad. I think I will wait reading more till the third book is out.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (4/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

After traveling through time in Shadow of Night, the second book in Deborah Harkness’s enchanting series, historian and witch Diana Bishop and vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont return to the present to face new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home at Sept-Tours, they reunite with the cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches--with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency. In the trilogy’s final volume, Harkness deepens her themes of power and passion, family and caring, past deeds and their present consequences. In ancestral homes and university laboratories, using ancient knowledge and modern science, from the hills of the Auvergne to the palaces of Venice and beyond, the couple at last learn what the witches discovered so many centuries ago. From Goodreads



It has been a while since I read the second book in this series but that was not a problem, I was soon back into it.
Diana and Matthew are still looking for the missing pages of Ashmole 782 but at the same time a lot of other trouble that is all connected is mounting around them. Diana is a strong heroine that will fight with her life to ensure the safety of her family and so will Matthew. This is also necessary when an evil son of Matthew's rears his ugly self and threatens not only Diana but also their children in search of power and revenge.
This is the final book in the series but I would not mind if Deborah Harkness decided to write more as there is a lot of potential with not only Diana and Matthew but also the twins or Gallowglass.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
I love Library books 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (1/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Butterbeer Recipe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Hunger Games
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: I Like Big Books Bonus Club
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue round 4
Novel Books & Reading Challenges - Baby Got Book

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee

Winter has hit Hemlock Cove - and not in a fun way. The cold weather is keeping most tourists out of town, which is just fine with the Winchester witches. They're using the lull as a way to recharge and take a break - even if Aunt Tillie is causing her usual havoc. All that comes crashing down, though, when a large yacht is found abandoned in a nearby channel and there's blood on the deck. For Bay, things go from bad to worse when local law enforcement is joined by a federal representative in the form of Landon Michaels - her former flirt partner and possible boyfriend. Landon has come to town for more than just the case, though; he's here to make amends. And even if Bay is ready to accept his apology, that doesn't mean her family is. Landon may be here to win her back, but he's also a man on a mission - and that mission is truth. He wants to know the Winchester family secret - whether Bay is ready to share it or not. Landon isn't the only visitor in Hemlock Cove, either. Thistle's father - Ted Proctor - is also in town. He says he's there to buy some property for a business consortium - but he's having secret meetings and hiding a bevy of truths from his daughter and her busybody cousins - something that sets the whole family on edge. When you couple that with the hot new handyman, the hipster snowboarders and Aunt Tillie's rage about her wine closet being confiscated for a new furnace, it's another fun-filled mystery for the Winchester witches and Hemlock Cove - as long as everyone can survive the snow, and the killer that hides in it, that is. From Goodreads.

This is cheesy and with silly humour. Just what I like in an easy, read in an afternoon book. I like all the bickering in the Winchester family because they are also fiercely loyal to each other.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (2/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee

Where there's a witch, there's a way! Where there's a whole family of them, there's trouble. Bay Winchester, editor of Hemlock Cove's small weekly newspaper, thinks her small hamlet's upcoming murder mystery weekend is going to be all about fun, food and frolicking. Instead, when another dead body is discovered in Hemlock Cove, things turn into murder, mayhem and migraines (the latter is mostly thanks to her family, of course). The body belongs to the town drunk - and no one can figure out who would want to kill him, or why. Bay's investigation is stymied by her new boss, Brian Kelly, and her old flirtation, FBI agent Landon Michaels, both of whom seem to have more than interviews on their mind. When you couple that with her cousin Thistle's obsession with making their Great-Aunt Tillie pay for the curse she recently put on them (you don't want to know) and her cousin Clove's conviction that she is not - no matter what the rest of the family says - a blabbermouth, Bay has her hands full. When the murder investigation takes a turn, though, a long-held Hemlock Cove secret is bound to be exposed. If it is, Bay may find herself in trouble - again - and this is the kind of trouble that she may not be able to find a way out of - even with Aunt Tillie's help. From Goodreads.

I started this series in December and now I have decided to continue. I really like this witch family. They are all such characters by themselves and as a unit they are fun. A cosy paranormal mystery.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (3/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Butterbeer Recipe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Love is a Thief by Claire Garber

What did you miss out on because you fell in love?
I might just be ‘that’ girl. You know the one. The girl who, for no particular reason, doesn’t get the guy, doesn’t have children, doesn’t get the romantic happy ever after. So I needed to come up with a plan.
What did I like doing? What didn’t I get to do because I fell in love? What would I be happy spending the rest of my life doing if love never showed up again?
Kate Winters is going on a journey to do all the things that love has snatched from her and her friends, to reclaim her dreams and theirs in the hope of finding her future. But there’s a chance that new dreams are better than the old…
From Goodreads.








This was okay. Kate does a lot to help her friends and readers recapture dreams from before they married, though she is not as good at helping herself. Worth a read.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: February Challenges (3/5)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Face Off
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts