2025 Big Book Challenge discussion

Big books I have finished in 2025
01. The Science of Reading: Adrian Jones - 428pp (hardcover)
02. Everblaze: Shannon Messenger - 640pp (paperback)
03. Esperance: Adam Oyebanji - 432pp (hardcover)

Big books I have finished in 2024
01. The Book That Wouldn't Burn: Mark Lawrence - 560pp (hardcover)
02. West Of Here: Jonathan Evison - 486pp (hardcover)
03. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms: N.K. Jemisin - 417pp (ebook)
04. Keys To The Demon Prison (Fablehaven 5): Brandon Mull - 593pp (ebook)
05. Sophie's World: Justein Gaarder - 403pp (softcover)
06. Two Nights In Lisbon: Chris Pavone - 448pp (hardcover)
07. Keeper of the Lost Cities #2: Exile - Shannon Messenger - 592pp (paperback)
08. A Discovery of Witches: Deborah Harkness - 579pp (hardcover) (reread)
09. Shadow of Night: Deborah Harkness - 592pp (hardcover)


Big books I have finished in 2023
01. Nicholas Nickelby: Charles Dickens - 888pp (ebook)
02. Grip of the Shadow Plague: Brandon Mull - 480pp (ebook)
03. Snow-walker: Catherine Fisher - 507pp (hardcover)
04. The Fires Of Heaven: Robert Jordan - 704pp (hardcover)
05. Quantum Radio: A. G. Riddle - 416pp (ebook)
06. The Valley of Horses: Jean M. Auel - 502pp (hardcover)
07. The Long War: Terry Pratchett, Stephen Baxter - 422pp (hardcover)
08. Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, Brandon Mull - 544pp (ebook)
09. Keeper of the Lost Cities, Shannon Messenger - 518pp (paperback)
10. The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Asimov - 745pp (hardcover)
11. Elantris, Brandon Sanderson - 492pp (hardcover)
12. The Virginian, Owen Wister - 504pp (hardcover 1904)
13. The Harvester, Gene Stratton-Porter - 564pp (hardcover 1911)


Big books I have finished in 2022
01. The Dragon Reborn: Robert Jordan - 624pp (ebook)
02. The Shadow Rising: Robert Jordan - 704pp
03. The Evening News: Arthur Hailey - 592pp
04. The Strangers: Margaret Peterson Haddix - 432pp
05. The Deceivers: Margaret Peterson Haddix - 464pp
06. The Messengers: Margaret Peterson Haddix - 432pp
07. The Emerald Atlas: John Stephens - 464pp
08. The Fire Chronicle: John Stephens - 448pp
09. The Black Reckoning: John Stephens - 432pp
10. The Light Through The Leaves: Glendy Vanderah - 463pp
11. Dragons of Autumn Twilight: Weiss/Hickman - 448pp
12. 13 Curses: Michelle Harrison - 512pp
13. 13 Secrets: Michelle Harrison - 432pp
14. A World Without Heroes: Brandon Mull - 464pp
15. Seeds Of Rebellion: Brandon Mull - 512pp
16. Chasing The Prophecy: Brandon Mull - 512pp

Big books I have finished in 2021
01. Don Quixote: Miguel de Cervantes - 992pp
02. The Pickwick Papers: Charles Dickens - 764pp
03. Oliver Twist: Charles Dickens - 431pp
04. The Flight From Kar: Frederick Kirchhoff - 409pp (ebook)
05. The Tritargon: Frederick Kirchhoff - 405pp (ebook)
06. The Game: Frederick Kirchhoff - 549pp (ebook)
07. The Chronophage: Frederick Kirchhoff - 421pp (ebook)
08. The Guardians: Frederick Kirchhoff - 465pp (ebook)
09. The Enchantress: Michael Scott - 528pp
10. North And South: John Jakes - 812pp
11. The Serpent's Shadow: Rick Riordan - 416pp (ebook)
12. The Great Hunt: Robert Jordan - 624pp (ebook)

Big books I have finished in 2020
01. City Of Bones: Cassandra Clare - 475pp (ebook) (reread)
02. City Of Ashes: Cassandra Clare - 496pp (ebook)
03. City Of Glass: Cassandra Clare - 592pp (ebook)
04. Clockwork Angel: Cassandra Clare - 479pp (reread)
05. Clockwork Prince: Cassandra Clare - 528pp
06. Clockwork Princess: Cassandra Clare - 592pp
07. The Steel Remains: Richard K Morgan - 416pp (ebook)
08. The Cold Commands: Richard K Morgan - 496pp (ebook)
09. The Dark Defiles: Richard K Morgan - 656pp (ebook)
10. Old Mortality: Walter Scott - 558pp (ebook)

Big books I have finished in 2019
01. The Hidden Coronet: Catherine Fisher - 421pp
02. The Margrave: Catherine Fisher - 445pp
03. Hotel: Arthur Hailey - 480pp
04. The Throne Of Fire: Rick Riordan - 464pp
05. Relic: Douglas Preston - 480pp
06. The Necromancer: Michael Scott - 403pp
07. Wanderers: Chuck Wendig - 800pp
08. A Calculus Of Angels: Gregory J Keyes - 406pp
09. Complete stories, 1864-1874: Henry James - 972pp
10. Christmas On Mistletoe Lane: Annie Rains - 432pp (ebook)

Big books I have finished in 2018
01. Die Trying: Lee Child - 448pp
02. Sketches By Boz: Charles Dickens - 673pp (ebook)
03. The Antiquary: Walter Scott - 559pp (ebook)
04. Rise Of The Evening Star (Fablehaven): Brandon Mull - 464pp (ebook)
05. Great Books: David Denby - 496pp
06. The Forgotten Garden: Kate Morton - 552pp

Big books I have finished in 2017
01. Leviathan: Scott Westerfeld - 440 pp
02. Guy Mannering: Walter Scott - 440pp
03. Uncommon Grounds-History of Coffee: Mark Pendergrast - 480pp (ebook)
04. Behemoth: Scott Westerfeld - 486pp
05. The Eye Of The World: Robert Jordan - 670pp (ebook)
06. The Sword Of Shannara: Terry Brooks - 736pp (ebook)

Big books I have finished in 2016
01. Dune: Frank Herbert - 562 pp
02. Main Street: Sinclair Lewis - 561 pp (ebook)
03. Clan of the Cave Bear: Jean Aule - 468 pp
04. Beautiful Darkness: Garcia/Stohl - 503 pp (ebook)
05. The Accidental Hero: Matt Myklusch - 476 pp
06. Killing Floor: Lee Child - 409 pp
07. Quentins: Maeve Binchy - 436 pp
08. Caught Dead Handed: Carol J Perry - 416 pp (ebook)
09. The Sorceress: Michael Scott - 488 pp

Big books I have finished in 2015
01. Waverley: Walter Scott - 450 pp
02. Inkheart: Cornelia Funke - 534 pp
03. The Red Pyramid: Rick Riordan - 516pp (ebook)


Big books I have finished in 2014
01. The Magician: Michael Scott - 464 pages
02. A Discovery of Witches: Deborah Harkness - 579 pages
03. The Rise of Nine: Pittacus Lore - 416 pages


Big books I have finished in 2013
01. December: Phil Rickman - 678 pages
02. City of Bones: Cassandra Clare - 475pp
03. Luck in the Shadows: Lynn Flewelling - 479pp
04. Stalking Darkness: Lynn Flewelling - 512pp
05. The Cuckoo's Calling: Robert Galbraith - 449pp


Big books I have finished in 2012
01. Clockwork Angel : Cassandra Clare - 479 pages
02. Sixty-One Nails: Courts of the Feyre, Book 1 - Mike Shevdon - 464 pages
03. The Road to Bedlam: Courts of the Feyre, Book 2 - Mike Shevdon - 432 pages
04. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte - 431 pages
05. Storm - Brigid Kemmerer 432 Print Pages
06. Beautiful Creatures - Garcia/Stohl 532pp

My library is cataloged at LibraryThing:
User: bumblesby

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Reserve of message 3 :)

Evika wrote: "I think you will really enjoy Clockwork Angel. :)"
I am looking forward to it since I just got Clockwork Prince - beautiful book :)

Great list!

So you're really tackling Waverley?!

1book1review wrote: "So you're really tackling Waverley?!"

Yes. I must give it a try. There are several famous novels by Scott that I would like to get to someday. Rob Roy and Ivanhoe amongst them. Waverley is his first, so I am going to start there and see how it goes. :)

Be sure to let me know!

Nice mix of action and story. The beginning was confusing for me - I think it was rushed and disjointed. After about 100 pages it slowed down and explained more about what was going on. - Steampunk, Paranormal Romance 479 pages.

Bumblesby wrote: "
Nice mix of action and story. The beginning was confusing for me - I think it was rushed and disjointed. After about 100 pages it slowed down and explained more about what was going on. - Steampun..."

Well done!!! :-)

oh everybody likes this book, I need to add that to my list.

Shew! Finally added some more!

The Courts of the Feyre books are an adult urban fantasy series (at least 3 that I know of). I will be starting the third book soon. They are very good - but this is my first venture into the world of the Faye, so it's all new to me.

And, of course, Jane Eyre. Not much to say about this book except just great. I did tire of the religious zeal in parts of the book and how it was used to manipulate people - Jane in particular.

Bumblesby wrote: "Shew! Finally added some more!

The Courts of the Feyre books are an adult urban fantasy series (at least 3 that I know of). I will be starting the third book soon. They are very good - but this is..."

Yey, great to see you back! I have to admit I have not read too many faye stories.... Interesting what you say about Jane Eyre, this is not one that I have read yet but might look this out and give it a go... Intriguing... Hope you are well... :-)

Storm - Brigid Kemmerer 432 Print Pages (read ebook version)

This is a fast-paced YA novel. Mainly the book is about 4 brothers where each one can control a different element; earth, air, fire, water. There is a fifth element that can control all 4.

I would give it 3.5 stars. At times it seemed there was too much was going on, but I know a lot of people like that. I also tired of the teenage love triangle - which is important to the story, but frustrated me at times.

If you decide to start the series, read the short book "Elemental" first. I actually liked the short book better!

I will continue the series with "Spark" which was just released August 2012.

Beautiful Creatures - Garcia/Stohl 592pp (ebook version)

Whew! Got this one in just under the wire for 2012. I gave it 4 out 5 stars. Overall a great read!

I have this one in my stacks to read, maybe for next year. : )

Well done Tim! This book is on my list to read very soon, hopefully lol! :-)

First bigun one for 2013 done. Well I finished it in 2013 :)
December by Phil Rickman. A ghosty/paranormal/psychic thriller. Good book! 4 out of 5.

Bumblesby wrote: "First bigun one for 2013 done. Well I finished it in 2013 :)
December by Phil Rickman. A ghosty/paranormal/psychic thriller. Good book! 4 out of 5."

Yey!!! :-)

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - 475pp
I read the ebook version which has a different page count, but I am going with the print count so I can add it here :)

Really enjoyed this book and it read very fast. I will have to say I was disappointed with how the main romance element ended up.

Luck in the Shadows by Lynn Flewelling - 479pp
Read as an ebook version.

The first book in The Nightrunner fantasy series. As with many fantasies, there is magic, wizards, a dark element, a quest, etc. I always enjoy them. This one has great characters with the twist being that the world is bisexual and there is a romance brewing between the two male main characters. The book is not erotica, so if that sort of thing makes you uneasy, don't fret about it - well at least in this first book.

The book has quite a bit of world building in it, but is still very good. I am definitely continuing the series with Stalking Darkness.

Stalking Darkness by Lynn Flewelling - 512pp
Read as an ebook version.

I rarely give books 5 stars but I did not hesitate for a moment on this one. The second book in the Nightrunner series does not suffer from the dreaded second book in the trilogy syndrome. Reading the ending to this book is worth the nearly 1000 pages to get there (2 books). The characters, the story - it's got it all. Well at least for me anyways!

I am going to take a little breather before starting book 3 Traitor's Moon, but I'm excited for it.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith - 449pp
Hardcover

This has been a slow reading year for me. Finally finished The Cuckoo's Calling after 4 months. The book did not hold my interest - obviously - but with all the hype I at least wanted to finish it. It was just OK. I gave it 3 stars.

The Magician by Michael Scott - 464pp
Softcover

Excellent second entry in the series. Four solid stars!

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - 579pp
Hardcover

I enjoyed this book, but not immensely - 3 stars. I will continue the series.

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore - 416pp
Hardcover

Book 3 in the Lorien Legacy series. 4 stars of course.

Lots of wee books this year. My mood was quick and easy. Several cozy and Murder, She Wrote mysteries. See y'all in 2015!

Hey!! I didn't know you were still around...I have been gone for awhile...good to see you!

Waverley by Walter Scott - 450pp
Hardcover (1910)

Book 1 of the Waverley novels. First published in 1814. 3.5 stars.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke 534 pp
Hardcover (2003 First American Edition)

4.0 stars. I had seen the movie to this book many years ago, but as I read it, it didn't jar any of those memories so it was completely fresh. Physical book lovers will love this story, especially the character Elinor who has a house full of books!

Bumblesby wrote: "Inkheart by Cornelia Funke 534 pp
Hardcover (2003 First American Edition)

4.0 stars. I had seen the movie to this book many years ago, but as I read it, it didn't jar any of those memories so it ..."

I have wondered about this one. I haven't read the book or watched the movie, would you recommend reading the book first or watching the movie? A house full of books that would be wonderful! :-)

I always recommend the book first :)

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan 516 pp
eBook

4.0 stars. The first book in the Kane Chronicles series about Egyptian gods. Right before this book I read The Lightning Thief and I have to say I liked The Red Pyramid a bit better. Both were good of course.

In 2016 I will read N BIG books. I will fill in the N at the end of the year LOL

Dune by Frank Herbert 562 pp
softcover

4.5 stars. I have seen the original 1980s movie 3 times. I guess that means I liked it :) The book was no disappointment, was well written and explained a lot of the obscurities of the movie. I may continue the series.

Main Street by Sinclair Lewis 561 pp
ebook

2.5 stars. This is one of those internal struggle books which is fine, but this one was too long. Carol, the main character makes, I guess you could say, a bad decision to marry a man and move to a small town. Carol is not a small town person, but enjoys the arts, books, is not too religious and is a freethinker in early 1900s America; everything a small town is not. There are some good parts to this book, but the cycle of happy/unhappy got tedious. Towards the end, an unexpected event did happen, but it took a while to get there.

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Aule 468 pp
Hardcover

2 stars. This series is in the Fantasy genre, but it is different than other fantasies I have read. The writing is good, but I just did not enjoy the story. Though many people love this book, I found it very difficult to get through. I have all the other books in the series thinking I would love it. Now I am not sure what to do. I may start the second book to see if it holds my interest more.

Beautiful Darkness by Garcia/Stohl 503 pp
eBook

4 stars. I am not sure why others didn't like this book as much. I thought it was very necessary to the continuation of the plot. We met new and interesting characters, and with Lena out of the way we got to know them and a lot more about existing characters. I am not a fan of Lena yet, but perhaps I will be once she makes peace with herself and finds some inner strength.

The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch 476 pp
Paperback

4 stars. This is a middle-grade adventure with super heroes, magic and a hidden island. It has some Harry Potter themes in the plot but still manages to be unique and enjoyable. I will continue the series.

Killing Floor by Lee Child 409 pp
Paperback

4 stars. At first I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Short sentences and very few commas but I persevered and was able to get passed it. I'm glad since I generally liked the book. A bit predictable, but I will continue the series.

Quentins by Maeve Binchy 436 pp
Paperback

3 stars.

Caught Dead Handed by Carol J Perry - 416 pp
Ebook

3 stars. This is a cozy mystery but to me it was a bit on the dark side. I won't say why since that may give away too much. Although long for the genre, I would recommend giving it a try. I will continue the series.

The Sorceress by Michael Scott - 488 pp
Paperback

4.5 stars. Third book in The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel series. Non-stop action and adventure. I always need a rest after reading one from this series :)

Compared to previous years, I was kickin' it in 2016. My count will probably not be so high for 2017 since I am planning on reading War and Peace. That should count as 3 books right?? :)

Bumblesby wrote: "Compared to previous years, I was kickin' it in 2016. My count will probably not be so high for 2017 since I am planning on reading War and Peace. That should count as 3 books right?? :)"

I wont tell anyone ;)

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld - 440 pp
Hardcover

4 stars. Young Adult. A very unique book that is an alternate history of the start of WWI and book 1 in the Leviathan trilogy. Genetically altered animals vs. steampunk war machines. It's great!

Crystal wrote: "I wont tell anyone ;) "

Thanks :) I haven't started War and Peace yet and it's already May!

Yes I'm still alive - but getting old! Wow, it's been 5 years since I updated here. So I will update the first thread from 2017 on.

Hi Debs :)
Hope everyone is doing well!

I recently finished The Beyonders trilogy by Brandon Mull!


A World Without Heroes
Seeds Of Rebellion
Chasing The Prophecy

I enjoyed this fantasy series and recommend it if you like fantasy. It has some interesting human-like characters that were created by ancient powerful wizards.

Bumblesby wrote: "
Big books I have finished in 2022
01. The Dragon Reborn: Robert Jordan - 624pp (ebook)
02. The Shadow Rising: Robert Jordan - 704pp
03. The Evening News: Arthur Hailey - 592pp
04. The Strangers: M..."

Fantastic! A great selection of big books for 2022. :-)