Tuesday, March 31, 2015

March 2015 Update

I have read 23 books in March. in total 5670 pages. The end of the month was a bit hectic with all the challenges that needed finishing. I hope I will be a bit more on top of my reading plan for April.

List of books:
  1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 
  2. Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
  3. 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
  4. Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs 
  5. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 
  6. The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black
  7. Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas 
  8. Raven by Suzy Turner
  9. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos 
  10. Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford
  11. A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee
  12. The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black
  13. Metal Emissary by Chris Paton
  14. The Liquidator by John Gardner  
  15. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino
  16. Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee
  17. Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig
  18. Got A Hold On You by Pat White 
  19. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
  20. A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson
  21. Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski
  22. Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane
  23. Bloodstone by Barbra Annino

Bloodstone by Barbra Annino

All Stacy Justice wants to do is recover from the bizarre couple of weeks she’s had—a whirlwind kicked off by the arson attack on her cousin’s bar, the Black Opal. But just when life should be settling down, a fourteen-year-old girl named Ivy appears on Stacy’s doorstep, claiming to be her sister. Ivy says their mother’s life is in danger and insists that the family’s magic is crucial to saving her. Sure, Ivy has Stacy’s fiery red hair and green eyes—but is she really her sister? And can the secretive teen be trusted with magic?Then a man is found dead at Stacy’s grandmother’s bed-and-breakfast, and she has no choice but to see where Ivy’s story leads. Strange warnings appear at every turn, including the disappearance of the family’s Blessed Book, and it seems someone is out to kill Stacy—again. From Goodreads.






This wasn't as good as the first book but it was okay. Ivy was the annoying character in this book, I know she is only 14 but I could have done without her. I will still continue this series though as Stacy is interesting and I hope we will soon meet her mother.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
2015 Audiobook challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Spring Fling - Finished

Spring Fling hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I read 62 books for this task. At the end of this we had to spell out all our names in our Raven group and did this no problem with all the books that had been read.

Each book read that fits one of the tasks will earn .25 points
*As the dance is being prepared by all Houses equally, all points will be divided equally among the Houses at the end of the dance.

Rules
*All books must be at least 125 pages in length (140 for YA)
*Re-reads are allowed as long as the book is read in its entirety, not just skimmed
*When you have finished a book, post it here.


Decor by Gryffindor:
-Informal dance with mint green, gold, and white as the colors
-New Beginnings and renewal is the theme

*Task: Read a book with something gold (must be prominently visible) on the cover or a book where the main character experiences a new beginning (ie: moving to a new state/country, moving on after a divorce or death, birth of a child, starting a new job, reincarnation, etc.). You must include how your book fits when posting for this challenge.
  1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Beginning of book, parents are killed)
  2. The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory (MC ends up in another world)
  3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Harry starts at Hogwarts)
  4. Coven by K.A. Young (MC has to move home and become head mistress)
  5. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant (MC is turned to vampire)
  6. Love is a Thief by Claire Garber (Life after break up with boyfriend)
  7. Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs (Starts an adventure to find his parents)
  8. Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller (Trains as an assassin when her dad is killed )
  9. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard  (Life after their friend disappear)
  10. Raven by Suzy Turner (moves from UK to Canada)
  11. A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee (just moved to a new town)
  12. The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black (MC moves from town to the Highlands) 
  13. Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig (pregnant and dumped by boyfriend)
  14. A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson (discovers he is a father)
  15. Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane (finally moving on after divorce)
Food by Hufflepuff:
-spring greens with an assortment of dressings and toppings (self serve)
-we also have flying trays offering specialty white, dark and milk chocolates on mint leaves
-We ask all other house to, please, BYOB.
(Bring Your Own Beverage)

*Task: Read a book that reflects the type of beverage you are bringing (see the matches bellow) (using the first letter of a title or the first letter of an author first/last name).
J for juice
W for water/wine
D for drink
B for beer
C for cocktail/coffee
T for tea
M for milk
S for soda
A for alcohol
(fill in the blank) for a justified and approved drink. **Must be approved by Head of Hufflepuff Headmaster or Hufflepuff Prefect.**

  1. Summer of Change by Elena Aitken (S for soda)
  2. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser (M for milk)
  3. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan (D for drink)
  4. Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair (S for Soda)
  5. Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs (B for beer)
  6. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts  (B for beer) 
  7. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron (C for coctail)
  8. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (B for beer)
  9. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott  (S for Soda)
  10. A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams (A for alcohol)
  11. Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee (A for alcohol)
  12. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns (M for milk) 
  13. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling  (J for Juice)
  14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (J for Juice)
  15. Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs (D for drink)
  16. Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford  (S for Soda)
  17. The Liquidator by John Gardner (J for Juice)
  18. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino (A for alcohol)
  19. Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee (S for Soda)
  20. Got A Hold On You by Pat White (W for Water)
  21. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (J for Juice)

Music by Ravenclaw
-Band: Country & Western style

*Task: Read a book that is set in a country of the Western Hemisphere, or by an author who lives or was born in the Western Hemisphere.

  1. How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
  2. Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
  3. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond 
  4. Bewitching You by Viola Estrella  
  5. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
  6. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
  7. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
  8. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg 
  9. Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee 
  10. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 
  11. Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee 
  12. Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
  13. 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
  14. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos  
  15. Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski

Venue by Slytherin
-Venue: Transfiguration Courtyard
-Dinner begins at dusk
-Dinner served outdoors within the courtyard
-Dancing to follow dinner
-Enjoy dancing and mingling and having a good time

*Task: Read a book that takes place outdoors (at least 50% of the plot, or a road trip book counts); or where a garden has meaning to the story (could include a gardener/botanist/florist/landscape designer as a MC)
  1. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck 
  2. Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson 
  3. Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle 
  4. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews  
  5. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
  6. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
  7. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
  8. Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong 
  9. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 
  10. The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black  (garden)
  11. Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas


Books in total:
  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. Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
  6. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond 
  7. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser 
  8. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan  
  9. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
  10. Bewitching You by Viola Estrella 
  11. Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
  12. Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson
  13. Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs
  14. Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
  15. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
  16. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews 
  17. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 
  18. Coven by K.A. Young
  19. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
  20. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
  21. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts  
  22. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
  23. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
  24. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
  25. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg 
  26. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
  27. A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams
  28. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
  29. Love is a Thief by Claire Garber 
  30. Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee 
  31. Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee 
  32. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 
  33. Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs
  34. Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller
  35. Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee 
  36. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
  37. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
  38. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns
  39. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 
  40. Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
  41. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard 
  42. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 
  43. Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
  44. 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
  45. Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs 
  46. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 
  47. The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black
  48. Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas 
  49. Raven by Suzy Turner
  50. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos  
  51. Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford
  52. A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee
  53. The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black
  54. The Liquidator by John Gardner  
  55. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino
  56. Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee
  57. Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig
  58. Got A Hold On You by Pat White 
  59. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
  60. A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson
  61. Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski
  62. Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: March Challenges - Finished

March Challenges hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

Another 6 challenges that starts and finishes in the same month. This time they seem a bit difficult and I am not sure I will be able to complete them at the highest points.

My Rowling Twin: Gryffindor Prefect ☀ (Tracking post) DONE
March Hufflepuff BOTB Mini Challenge: Unlocking Your Senses ☀ (Tracking post) DONE
Slytherin BOTM Mini Challenge: Galaxy Cruise  ☀ (Tracking post) DONE
RAVENclaw March House Game: BIRD WATCHING  ☀ (Tracking post) DONE (not full points)

MARCH House Challenge: Gryffindor Crest  ☀ (Tracking post) DONE (not full points)
Class of the Month - MARCH  ☀ (Tracking post) (DONE)
MAR15 Scavenger Hunt  ☀ (Tracking post) DONE 


My Rowling Twin: Gryffindor Prefect (no re-reads apart from extra credit)
Duration: March 1st, 2015 to March 31st, 2015

We know them, we love them, we can’t get enough of them. That’s right…you know who I am talking about…the beloved characters of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling!

But…have you ever thought about which character you are most similar to?

For some the answer may be easy, for others not so much.

For this challenge, you will get to find your Rowling Twin and maybe learn a thing or two about them!

Your task is simple, take this quiz (Quiz Link) to find out which Harry Potter character you are and then read, read, read.

After taking the quiz, you will be matched to one of the following characters:

1. Hermione Granger
2. Neville Longbottom
3. Luna Lovegood
4. Draco Malfoy
5. Harry Potter
6. Lord Voldemort
7. Ginny Weasley
8. Ronald Weasley

Then, you will complete the following individual reading challenges: 


Quiz Result: Ronald Weasley
You are a funny person! Sometimes you can be a little immature and some other times you can be a little scared, but everyone loves you anyway.

1. Read a book with a title that starts with your character’s first name initial. R
Raven by Suzy Turner

2. Read a book with a title that starts with your character’s last name initial. W
Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane

3. Read a book written by an author whose first name starts with your character’s first or last name initial. R or W
Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

4. Read a book written by an author whose last name starts with your character’s first or last name initial. R or W
Got A Hold On You by Pat White 

5. CREATE YOUR OWN CHALLENGE: Read a book that matches your character’s description. Your character's description will be included when you receive your quiz result. (Your created challenge must be approved by the Gryffindor Prefect via PM.)
Read an YA book. (Sometimes you can be a little immature)
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos 

Extra-Credit Opportunity: You can earn an extra point for reading any Harry Potter book during this challenge. However, you may not use a Harry Potter book to fulfill the individual challenges under any circumstances.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 

Point Scale:
You will earn 1 point for completing each of the above challenges, for a possible total of 5 points.

You will earn 1 point for completing the entire challenge in the given time frame.

You will earn 1 point for completing the extra-credit opportunity.

Possible Points For This Challenge: 6-7 Total Points

No participation points will be awarded, but you will keep the points earned for completing each individual challenge if you do not finish the entire challenge.


Rules:
1. The CREATE YOUR OWN CHALLENGE must be approved by the Gryffindor Prefect via PM. This even applies to CYOCs that match challenges already approved for other participants.
2. Harry Potter books may only be used to fulfill the extra-credit opportunity.
3. All books read for this challenge must be 170 pages or more.
4. "A, An, and The" can be excluded from titles if necessary.
5. No Childrens/Middle Grade Books. Even if Young Adult is listed, any book with Childrens or Middle Grade will not be accepted for the individual challenges.
6. Manga, Comic Books, and Graphic Novels will not be allowed for this challenge.
7. Re-Reads are not allowed for the individual challenges. You may complete a re-read for the extra credit opportunity. 



March Hufflepuff BOTB Mini Challenge: Unlocking Your Senses (Re-reads OK)

All the Light We Cannot See features the character Marie-Laure who goes blind when she is six years old. Her father is also the master of locks for a museum. In this mini challenge, we will unlock the other four senses. 
How it works: Each sense has a key, which you must use to gain access to that sense. There are 8 total tasks, 4 keys and 4 senses (one book per task). You can read books for these these in any order, but in order to get credit for reading a sense book, you must read the corresponding key as well.

Each book must fulfill ONE of the following requirements:


TASTE
Key:
*tongue on cover
*title starts with T
Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

Sense:
*food on cover
Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
*Title contains a food
*main character is a chef or baker

HEARING
Key:
*ear on cover
*title starts with E
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos 

Sense:
*main character is a musician/singer
*instrument or microphone on cover
Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski
*Title contains an instrument

TOUCH
Key:
*hand on cover
*title starts with H
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 

Sense:
*the word Touch in the title
*main character is a masseuse, doctor or healer
*cover shows people embracing
Got A Hold On You by Pat White 

✔ SMELL
Key:
*nose on cover
16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
*title starts with N

Sense:
*flowers or dog on cover
Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs 
*title contains a type of flower
*main character is a florist, works with scents or has a dog as pet

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 



Slytherin BOTM Mini Challenge: Galaxy Cruise
AMMP is happy to report, that is very own Galaxy Cruise Ship will depart March 1, 2015.

For being a loyal Member at A Million More Pages, you will receive ONE free ticket on The Galaxy Cruise. 

description

*Pick your level.
*.05 extra if you post a ticket.
*Third Class=3 points
*Second Class=6 points
*First Class=9 points

Note:You need to do at least one task in each Planet you take. If you do extra task, .10 points for each extra task.


Mercury
Mercury is the smallest and closest to the Sun of the eight planets in the Solar System. Because it has almost no atmosphere to retain heat, Mercury's surface experiences the greatest temperature variation of all the planets, ranging from 100 K (−173 °C; −280 °F) at night to 700 K (427 °C; 800 °F) during the day at some equatorial regions. Two spacecraft have visited Mercury: Mariner 10 flew by in the 1970s and MESSENGER, launched in 2004, remains in orbit.
☿ Read a book that takes place on a non earth planet/world or on a spacecraft/station
☿ Read a book that is first in a series.

Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck  
☿ Read a book with extreme heat or cold depicted on its cover. Mercury is a chemical element with symbol Hg and atomic number 80, and is commonly known as quicksilver. It is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure. Mercury occurs in deposits throughout the world mostly as cinnabar. The red pigment vermilion, a pure form of mercuric sulfide, is mostly obtained by reaction of mercury with sulfur. Mercury poisoning can result from exposure to water-soluble forms of mercury , inhalation of mercury vapor, or eating seafood contaminated with mercury. Mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, manometers etc. though concerns about the element's toxicity have led to its use being phased out except in scientific research applications.
☿ Read a book where someone is murdered preferably by poison.
☿ Read a book whose Title starts with the Letter M or H or G.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
☿ Read a book where a MC is a scientist.Mercury is a major Roman god. He is the patron god of financial gain, commerce, merchants, thieves and travelers. He was the messenger of the gods, and eloquence (and thus poetry), messages/communication (including divination) are his realm. He is often represented wearing winged sandals and holding a staff with two snakes around it. He showed the way for dead souls to Pluto's realm.
☿ Read a book where a MC is businessman or a thief.
☿ Read a book with Demons, Gods and/or Angels.
☿ Read a book where a MC is poet/writer or a reporter.

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald (MC is writer as she wrote this book)

VenusWhat the people of Earth believe they know about Venus:

Venus is the second planet from the sun. Venus is a terrestrial planet, meaning it has a solid surface. It's is the most similar of all planets to Earth in size, mass and proximity to the sun. Because of this, it has been called Earth's Sister by some.

But Venus is not like Earth. It has no moons. It spins backwards, meaning that on Venus the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Venus has an atmosphere consisting mostly of carbon dioxide. It has a surface temparture of almost 480 degrees Celcius, making it the hottest planet in our Solar System. The surface of the planet has many craters, is volcanic and desertlike but cannot be seen from space due to clouds of sulpuric acid that shroud it from view.

A Venusian Ghosts' Story

Many millenia ago, my planet was was home to a variety of species. It was a beautiful planet with vast oceans and many mountains. My people were numerous and had carefree lives. As we grew as a species, we made amazing technological advancements and built gorgeous cities.

But it didn't last.

The Venusians advancements made life too easy. People were able to live longer as illnesses were cured and therefore took up more reasources throughout their lifetime. Our planet became over populated. The over population coupled with our advancements led to a brutal war. The oposing factions each thought they had the means to destroy the other. They did, but in killing each other they eradicated our whole planet.

No one survived.

The warfar we partook in has left our planet a wasteland. Our cities have been destroyed and no evidence that we existed remains. Our oceans have vaporized. Acid rain pours down from the clouds that never disappate. Our planet will never again be suitable to support life all because of my people's greed and carelessness. Venus, once great and beautiful is now nothing more than a ghost planet.

♀Read A book that is Tagged Science Fiction.

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
♀Read a book that contains a ghost in its story.
♀Read a book that has an "end of the world" theme.


✔ ☬Earth1. Earth is the 3rd rock from the sun
read a 3rd book in a series2. Earth is the only planet we know that has humans on it.
read a book with a human on the cover3. Earth is mostly water
16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber 
Read a book with a body of water on the cover (river, lake, sea, ocean, etc)
Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane

MarsMars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second smallest planet in the Solar System, after Mercury. Named after the Roman god of war, it is often described as the "Red Planet" because the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, having surface features reminiscent both of the impact craters of the Moon and the volcanoes, valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps of Earth. Mars is the site of Olympus Mons, the second highest known mountain within the Solar System (the tallest on a planet), and of Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons. Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are small and irregularly shaped.
Tasks:
♂ 1.Read a book where a war takes place.

Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas
♂ 2.Read a book that is predominantly red in color.
♂ 3.Read a book with a mountain on the cover.


✔ ☬Jupiter
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and by far the largest. Jupiter is more than twice as massive as all the other planets combined (the mass of Jupiter is 318 times that of Earth).
Jupiter (a.k.a. Jove; Greek Zeus) was the King of the Gods, the ruler of Olympus and the patron of the Roman state. Zeus was the son of Cronus (Saturn).
In 1610 Galileo first pointed a telescope at the sky he discovered Jupiter's four large moons Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto (now known as the Galilean moons) and recorded their motions back and forth around Jupiter.

♃ *Read a book that is over 500 pages
♃ *Read a book that features a Warlord or King
♃ *Read a book that is rather #4 in a series, or its last page # has a four in it. 

Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs  (146 pages)


Saturn
FACTS:
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the most distant that can be seen with the naked eye. It is best known for its fabulous ring system that was discovered in 1610 by the astronomer Galileo Galilei.It is the fifth brightest object in the solar system, has 62 known moons and 30+ rings in 7 layers!
MYTHS:
Saturn is one of the five planets known since ancient times and was named after the Roman god, Saturn, the god of agriculture and the harvest.
Some references say Saturn was the Roman name for Cronus, the lord of the Titans in Greek mythology. Saturn is the root of the English word "Saturday".
There are references of Saturn in other cultures as well, the Hindu muthology mentions Saturn as Shani who was known as the evil-eyed one because his glance was extremely powerful and could burn anything instantly.

Tasks:
♄ a.Read a book with some mythological angle OR has mythology as a main page genre
♄ b.Read a book with an evil character
♄ c.Read a book that is #5 or higher in a series 

Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee

UranusUranus is the only planet whose name is derived from Greek mythology and not from the Roman Mythology. Uranus is named after Ouranos, who personified the Sky in the Greek Mythology. He was the fifth Immortal to come into existence. Ouranos and Gaia together conceived twelve children, the first six of whom were called the Titans. Ouranos is also said to be the father of most Greek Gods.
Ouranos was afraid that his Titan sons would overthrow him. So he imprisoned them within Gaia's Earth womb. Gaia, heart-broken, implored her children to slay Ouranos and created a giant sickle for this purpose. Titan Kronos was only one willing to do so. He took the sickle and castrated Ouranos, thus freeing the Titans and creating a lot of monsters and nymphs in the process. It is also said that Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, was also born of this.
Tasks:
♅1.Read a book where the main character is a father.

A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson
♅2.Read a book where there is rivalry between parent(s) and their children (one or more).
♅3.Read a book that features the sky on the cover
Neptune
Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in the Solar System. It is the fourth-largest planet by diameter and the third-largest by mass. Among the gaseous planets in the Solar System, Neptune is the most dense. Neptune is 17 times the mass of Earth and is slightly more massive than its near-twin Uranus, which is 15 times the mass of Earth, and not as dense as Neptune. Neptune orbits the Sun at an average distance of 30.1 astronomical units. Named after the Roman god of the sea, its astronomical symbol is ♆, a stylised version of the god Neptune's trident.

In Mythology 

Neptune (Latin: Neptūnus) was the god of freshwater and the sea, in Roman religion. He is the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. In the Greek-influenced tradition, Neptune was the brother of Jupiter and Pluto; the brothers presided over the realms of Heaven, the earthly world, and the Underworld. Salacia was his consort.
Sacrifices
Neptune is one of the only three Roman gods to whom it was appropriate to sacrifice bulls, the other two being Apollo and Mars.The wrong offering would require a piaculum, if due to inadvertency or necessity. The type of the offering implies a stricter connection between the deity and the worldly realm.

€ Read a book which is based on sacrifice( of any sort ) / Read a thriller where main plot is kidnapping.
Lake Albanus
During the war with Veii in 393 BC the level of Lake Albano (Albanus Lacus) rose to an unusual height even in the absence of rain. This prodigy was believed to be relevant on the siege of Veii because a haruspex from Veii recited some lines of a prophecy that illustrated the relationship between the level of its waters and either the safety or the fall of the town to the Romans.

€ Read a book with genre as Mythological fantasy/ Read a book based on mermaids.
Paredrae
Paredrae are entities who pair or accompany a god. They represent the fundamental aspects or the powers of the god with whom they are associated.
Neptune's two paredrae Salacia and Venilia represent the overpowering and the tranquil aspects of water, both natural and domesticated: Salacia would impersonate the gushing, overbearing waters and Venilia the still or quietly flowing waters.

€ Read a book that is based on sisters / Read a book where main Protagonist is either very lively and outgoing or very quiet introvert in nature. 

Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

The SunThe Sun or Sol, is the star at the centre of our solar system and is responsible for the Earth’s climate and weather. The Sun is an almost perfect sphere with a difference of just 10km in diameter between the poles and the equator. The Sun is middle-aged - it is currently 4.57 billion years with an expected life time of another 5 billion years or so. It takes 8 minutes for light from the sun to reach earth. And yes, it's very hot! It's temperature at its core is 14 million Kelvin. Every eleven years, the magnetic poles of the Sun switch. This cycle is called "Solarmax".
☉* Read a book told in the first person POV or where there is only one main character.
☉* Read a book with an MC who is aged between 40 and 65 years old
☉* Read a book where an MC changes their life path completely. Eg careers, state, country, sexual orientation, religion/beliefs, wealth etc. You must be able to show this in the precis.

Raven by Suzy Turner
☉* Read a book with a light source on the cover
☉* Read a book with the main page genre 'Erotica  



RAVENclaw March House Game: BIRD WATCHING (Re-reads OK)
A notable feature of passerines is the arrangement of their toes (three pointing forward and one back) which facilitates perching. Sometimes known as perching birds or, less accurately in the case of Ravens, as songbirds, the passerines form one of the most diverse land vertebrate orders, with over 5,000 identified species. There are roughly twice as many species of passerines as there are in the largest mammal order (rodents).

Examples of other passerines include the following songbirds:

Red
-Breasted Nuthatch

Orange-Crowned Fairy Wren
Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas 

Yellow Oriole

Green Broadbill

Blue Jay
Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 

Purple Martin
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Brown Thornbill
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

Black-Capped Chickadee
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos 

White-Necked Raven
The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black

Grey Catbird
Raven by Suzy Turner

Pink-Throated Twinspot
Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs 

Eastern Goldfinch

****
How To Play:

**All books read for this challenge must be started on or after March 1, 2015**

This is a cover color challenge. The name of the bird tells you the color of the cover of the book. The cover must create an impression of "the book is that color" not some object on the cover that has to be enlarged to be visible. When you look at the book, you need to think, "that book is red," not "that book has red on it."

Each color may be used one time.

Each of the first six books is worth 1 point each.

Bonus Points
+2 bonus for finishing all 12 colors.
+1 if all submitted books have birds on the covers.
+1 if one book title contains the word RAVEN
+1 for Ravenclaw players  


MARCH HOUSE CHALLENGE: Gryffindor Crest 
This challenge is based on the Gryffindor Crest. It symbolizes our bravery, courage, nerve, and chivalry. Its colors are important to us as well as its symbols.
TASKS:
1. Colors: Read a book with a scarlet/gold/cream cover (will allow any combination of these colors; must be at least 75%).

2. Knight: Read a book in which a character is a knight/soldier/serves/protects someone else.

Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas 

3. Moon and Star: Read a book with a night scene or celestial bodies (moon, stars) on the cover or in the title.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 

4. Lion: Read a book with a wild feline (lion, tiger, etc.) on the cover or in the title.

5. Shield: Read a book with a shield (be creative--goggles, hand over the eyes, etc.) on the cover or "SHIELD" in the title.

6. Godric Gryffindor: Read a book written by an author with both initials "G.G."

7. Nearly Headless Nick: Read a book with a ghost on the cover, ghost as important, or a character loses their head (beheading).

8. Minerva McGonagall: Read a book with an "M" character.

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

9. The Fat Lady: Read a book with a character in pink clothing on the cover.

Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane

10. Gryffindor roughly corresponds to the element of FIRE: Read a book where fire is important or has fire on the cover.

Opal Fire by Barbra Annino

RULES:
1. Sign up with your House indicated.
2. Tasks can be done in any order.
3. NO Children's, Manga, Beta, Fan Fiction, Audiobooks
4. YA = 140 pp; all others = 125 pp

POINTS:
+0.50 = each book read
+1 = participation (not comp)
+0.25 = BONUS: per book with Author Initial "G" (first, middle, or last)
+3 = BONUS: complete all tasks
+1 = BONUS: Gryffindor member
+1 = BONUS: (Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin ONLY) Post the GRYFFINDOR Crest and the words "GO GRYFFINDOR" in YOUR Common Room--link with your sign up post  



Class of the Month - MARCH - DONE
Incantations: Enchanting Objects
An Extra Credit Class brought to you by HUFFLEPUFF

Struggling with your incantations? Did your last enchanted object grow teeth and eat your homework? Then this class is for you. Silence that screaming banshee that was once your favorite dress. Keep your Keds from running away without you. Take this class and your worries are over! The Hogwarts Incantations class. Enchanting objects for extra credit since the 9th Century.

For this class, read a book that fits any of the following criteria:

❑ - Mirror of Erised | Read a book that has a MIRROR on the cover
❑ - Invisibility Cloak | Read a book with a cloak/overcoat on the cover or a GHOST in the story
❑ - Weasley family clock | Read a book that is part of a family saga or is listed as FAMILY on a main page genre

16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber  review link 3 points
❑ - Godric Gryffindor's Sword | Read a book with a SWORD or RED STONE on the cover.
❑ - Flying carpets | Read a book with a flying object on the cover or where someone takes a trip.  

The Liquidator by John Gardner review link 1.50 points

Review comments: 3 points
Ravenclaw: Comment on review of Blood Bound 0.25 points
Ravenclaw: Comment on review of Magic Rises 0.25 points
Huffelpuff: Comment on review of The Magicians 0.50 points
Huffelpuff: Comment on review of The Lightning Thief 0.50 points
Slytherin: Comment on review of The Martian 0.50 points
Gryffindor: Comment on review of Love You to Death 0.50 points
Huffelpuff: Comment on review of Every Which Way But Dead 0.50 points

HOW THIS WORKS
✽Open to all Hogwarts students and headmistresses.
✽Each Hogwarts player may select no more than two books to read for this class.
✽The books are to be read as independent tasks. This is a "do your own work" assignment, so no buddy read points will be awarded for books posted as Class Schedule texts.
✽No re-reads are permitted. The book must be new to you.
✽The book may not be started before March 1, 2015.
✽Posting Requirements - Cover and Title, Rating, and Date Completed. If it is not evident from the book's main page blurb, please indicate how the book fits the class task.
✽Review Option - You may write and submit a review for additional credit. This review is to be submitted as a formal GoodReads review, not simply a thread posting. Include a link to your review with your book posting if you choose to take advantage of this additional opportunity.
✽Comments Option - As a final option, you may earn additional points for comments you make on other players' reviews. Your comments must indicate that you read the review in its entirety and contribute one of three things :
☞ An observation about your own experience with the book
☞ A question about the reader’s experience with the book
☞ Whether, based on this review, you might add or avoid this particular book.
✽Include all relevant points requests in a single post -- Your book or books, a link to your review, and links to any and all reviews comments that you make.

HOW TO GET YOUR POINTS
~ 2 points for the first book read that fits the class specs. 1 point for a second book.
~ 1 point for your review of your first book. .5 points for your second book review.
.25 points for comments on your own housemates' reviews.
.5 points for each comment on reviews by opponent houses.
☞ You may make as many comments as you like in any combination of points up to a total of 3 points.

 


MAR15 Scavenger Hunt  
MARCH 1 - 31, 2015
Total: 0/20


Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 
4. CANE (pg 23) Do they use the CANE at St. Brutus's, boy?
20. TROPHY  (pg 144) Peeves the poltergeist was currently bouncing around the TROPHY room.

Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
1. NEIGHBOR (loc 3022) when my NEIGHBOR Gabby spotted me.

16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
15. BASKETBALL (loc 181) This time of year, it's BASKETBALL.


Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs
19. HOPE (loc 943) Jack! I HOPE you can help me .. I'm worried about Lexy!


H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
3. SPY (loc 1912) I am not a SPY, I'd told my father.

The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black
7. FIRE (loc 108) Do you know how to light a FIRE?

Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas
11. WAR (loc 358) They had not seen a WAR between major powers for sixtyyears.

Raven by Suzy Turner
2. CURTAIN (loc 4036) she pulled back a heavy thick green CURTAIN to reveal a large ova-shaped

The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos
18. MADNESS (loc 3176) get you away from MADNESS like this in L.A.

A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee
13. LEMON (loc 1194) What about an iced LEMON tea?

The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black
17. SEED (loc 288) - from SEED pearls to and bugle beads to crystals of every hue...

The Liquidator by John Gardner
14. PALM (loc 592) built between clusters of eucalyptus, orange, lemon and PALM

Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee
10. WIND (loc 826) I still don't understand about the WIND monster, though.

Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig
16. BRACKET (loc 1401) to properly attach BRACKET C to leg brace F.

Got A Hold On You by Pat White

8. JOSEPH (Character) (loc 4321) No one's called me JOSEPH since third grade.

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
6. COIN (pg 84) lifeless again until the next COIN.

A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson
5. LUCK (loc 123) That poor driver just ran out of LUCK.

Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski
9. LOUD (loc 170) A LOUD clunk rocketed from the parking lot.

Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane
12. ROME/ROMAN (loc 3048) When in ROME, right?

Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane

Daphne White is staring down the barrel of forty—and is distraught at what she sees. Her ex-husband is getting remarried, her teenage daughter hardly needs her anymore, and the career she once dreamed about has somehow slipped from her grasp. She’s almost lost sight of the spirited and optimistic young woman she used to be.
As she heads off to a Caribbean island to mark the new decade with her best friends from college, Daphne’s in anything but the mood to celebrate. But when she meets Clay Hanson, a much younger man, she ignores her inner voice warning her that she’s too old for a fling. In fact, this tropical getaway might be the perfect opportunity to picture her future in a new sun-drenched light.
With the help of her friends, Daphne rediscovers her enthusiasm for life, as well as her love for herself—and realizes that her best years are still ahead.
From Goodreads.





I enjoyed this one. It was lovely to see the 3 women connect after not having seen each other for 10 years or so. Daphne thinks her friends lives perfect lives and especially Skylar who has the career Daphne always wanted. On this holiday she finds out that nothing is perfect and she can do something herself to reach her goals even if they are not quite the same as when she left University.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski

Lucky Strickland has lost everything. First it was her dignity and then it was her husband and now it’s her house. She’s penniless, stuck at the McDonalds in Bee Cave, Texas, and her only hope, her brother-in-law, just stole her car.
Eighteen months ago, she’d been the wife of rock-and-roll legend, Ricky Strickland. Rock-My World, their reality TV show, was the number one. Then, on the live season finale, Ricky had introduced her to his mistress and their three daughters. Lucky stormed out. Ricky followed after her and wrapped his car around the nearest oak tree.
Will Brodie, Lucky’s bother-in-law, will do anything to get her back home. Lucky needs to grieve for her husband and take care of the lawsuit the realty TV network filed. They want their money back OR for her to film a new realty TV show—with Ricky’s children. Two months ago, Ricky’s daughters lost their mother to cancer—now they only have Will.
If Will can get Lucky to open her heart to the girls and to him, maybe he can finally give Lucky the family she’s always wanted.
From Goodreads.


Another okay romance. There was quite a bit of humour in this. Especially Mama Betts is a character. Also the kids are sweet, both the very manipulative Dawnie and the stroppy teenager mandy.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt

A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson

A&E doctor Dominic Tate is used to the commitment free, bachelor lifestyle. His comfortable position is quickly turned upside down when he discovers he is a father, and only his blood can possibly save the life of the premature infant.
What Dominic thought was one carefree night of passion has now become the most important thing in his life – but Petra Morgan, the mother of his child, is less than welcoming.
Can Dominic turn his back on his old lifestyle and prove to Petra he’s more than what’s on the surface?
 
From Goodreads.





This was okay. Nothing special, Dominic is described as commitment free and doesn't want to commit but he has his reasons. I liked his family.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
What's in a Name 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

Saturday, March 28, 2015

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Imagine this. Great Britain in 1985 is close to being a police state. The Crimean War has dragged on for more than 130 years and Wales is self-governing. The only recognizable thing about this England is her citizens' enduring love of literature. And the Third Most Wanted criminal, Acheron Hades, is stealing characters from England's cherished literary heritage and holding them for ransom.
Bibliophiles will be enchanted, but not surprised, to learn that stealing a character from a book only changes that one book, but Hades has escalated his thievery. He has begun attacking the original manuscripts, thus changing all copies in print and enraging the reading public. That's why Special Operations Network has a Literary Division, and it is why one of its operatives, Thursday Next, is on the case.
She has been trying to trace Hades ever since he stole Mr. Quaverley from the original manuscript of Martin Chuzzlewit and killed him. You will only remember Mr. Quaverley if you read Martin Chuzzlewit prior to 1985. But now Hades has set his sights on one of the plums of literature, Jane Eyre, and he must be stopped. From Goodreads.

This was a quite fun read. I liked the interaction between real people (the real people of this book) and the fictional characters. The funniest part though was when I was caught up in the book and then thought they had made printing mistakes in the book.
(About the Bookworms): "They were happily farting out apostrophes and ampersands". Just after this sentence there were suddenly a lot of ' and & in all the words and I didn't catch on right away, just complained to my husband that it was difficult reading and annoying that this mistake had been made. In the middle of my complaining I suddenly understood. I think it was very well done.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: All About the Stars
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Got A Hold On You by Pat White

When conservative number cruncher Frankie McGee offers to help her uncle save his wrestling promotion, she doesn’t sign on to dress as a scantily clad tigress and prance into the ring on the arm of a sexy cowboy wrestler. But Black Jack Hudson isn’t just any cowboy and pretty soon the chemistry sizzling between them threatens to unravel Frankie’s plans for a perfect life with her pre-fiancé.
Will Frankie’s intellect win over her desire, or will she go down for the count, risking everything for love?
From Goodreads.





This was a fun, quick read. Frankie loves her Uncle Joe and will do everything to help him as he was there when she grew up and helped her every time her dad let her down. In the end she has to decide if she will marry to get the secure life she has always dreamt about or follow her heart.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (3/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

Ginny McKensie's life is spiraling out of control.
Finished with college, she should have been planning her wedding. After all, Ginny and Josh were made for each other—everyone said so. Except the love of her life didn't agree.
Now Ginny is back in her hometown, unwillingly single, and stuck in a dead-end job. When she discovers she's pregnant, Ginny is convinced her life is ending. Instead of planning a future with Josh, she's learning the truth about morning sickness, juggling bills, and seeing just how far designer jeans can stretch.
Her life-plan never included dating again (not even with her too-hot new boss), or being a single mother at 23. Now, with the help of her best friends, Annie and Jen, Ginny must try to re-imagine—and rebuild—a life she never wanted.
From Goodreads.





This was good. I liked the way Ginny changed from being very dependent on her boyfriend to a strong independent responsible mother. Also the relationship between the three girls even through Ginny's depression after Josh left her. I really disliked Josh's parents. I like free books that draw me in so I want to buy the next books in the series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (3/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members

Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee

Life's a witch ... and then you die.
It's the dying part vexing Bay Winchester these days.
She may be a long-suffering daughter, thankless newspaper editor, and keyed-up girlfriend, but she's barely holding off a royal freakout
Landon's family is visiting the inn -- and they're not exactly open minded. Bay is on a mission to hide her witchy ways, but the discovery of a body -- and the poltergeist that accompanies it -- at The Overlook tips everything into turmoil.
Landon's mother doesn't trust them -- and his Aunt Blanche is moving in on Aunt Tillie's man (which is causing more trouble than anyone saw coming). That's on top of the paranormal havoc the poltergeist is wreaking in every corner of town.
Bay and Thistle are convinced Aunt Tillie knows something about the body the construction company unearthed while erecting her beloved greenhouse. The problem is, she won't admit it.
Landon is on vacation. Chief Terry is on edge. Clove is hiding something -- and it has nothing to do with the poltergeist. That's on top of the fact that Bay's mom and aunts are feigning eternal ignorance.
The poltergeist is out for blood, though -- and it will only settle for Winchester blood.
When everything comes to a head, a long-held Hemlock Cove secret will be unveiled -- and it's not what anyone is expecting.
From Goodreads.

I am enjoying this series even though some stuff is getting a bit repetitive. This was a bit different with Landon's family turning up and I liked the wee twist at the end with his mother. Aunt Tillie is still a great character and she get competion in meanness from Landon's Aunt Blanche.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt