The 104 Book Challenge - 2012 discussion

I have started this year off with a pretty good pace.
1. Clockwork Angel. This was a re-read in order to remember all the characters when I read Clockwork Prince. It had been way too long.
2. Fortune's Fool by Mercedes Lackey This is the 3rd book in a fairytale type series by Lackey. It takes place in a land where a force they call The Tradition tries to put the inhabitants into a life that lines up with a story whether for good or ill. The job of the Godmother's is to try to combat The Tradition and make the stories turn out all right. Kind of fun. This one has shades of The Little Mermaid and some Baba Yaga from Eastern Europe.
3.
In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster: A Cynster Novel by Stephanie Laurens Ok, Romances are my vice. This was a cute story although it is the 2nd in the latest series.

4. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare This was a good second in the trilogy. Sad to wait so long for number 3. 4/5
5. Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich I listened to this on CD. Evanovich has gone to the paranormal realm with a fun twist. The reader was great! Smiles and laughs. 3/5
6. Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

7. Nobody's Princess by Esther M. Friesner3/5 A story about how the author imagines the beginning of the life of Helen of Troy. Interesting take on it.
8.The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong This is a great start to a new series by Kelly Armstrong. Mystery, paranormal powers, intrigue, deception, and romance. I had fun with it. I listened to it on CD. Good reader. 4/5

9. The Course of True Love by Betty Neels Sweet little romance.
10. The Christmas Child (Love Inspired by Linda Goodnight Again, a sweet romance. These are "read in a few hours" books that help me overcome the stress of a busy day. I read while my husband watches the game.

11. And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander I didn't really connect with this book. I knew how it would end about a 1/3 into it (possibly sooner) I liked some of the characters but the story was too easy and predictable.2/5
12. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff KinneyOK, maybe it is because I am an adult. I hated this book. It read like a bad Disney Channel sitcom. Not much in the way of laughs and too sarcastic and mean spirited for me. Ok, I get that part of the humor is that the kid has no clue on what is right but, whatever. I didn't like the message or the example or the humor. I am glad none of my kids were in the age group to waste their time on it. 1/5

13. Copper Beach by Jayne Ann Krentz I listened to this on CD. The reader was great, the story was a similar to her other paranormal books. Since I enjoyed those, I also enjoyed this one. I liked the characters and it was an interesting twist on the "talent".3/5
14. The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright. The premise of this story is one I have often thought about. An older couple die on the same night, both of natural causes.As the children go through papers found in boxes, they learn secrets that they weren't sure they wanted to know. This is a Christian story about forgiveness and mercy.Again,I listened to this on CD. I liked the reader and I liked the story. A little bit predictable but a nice feel good story. 3/5

15. The Admiral's Penniless Bride by Carla Kelly A nice romance with the Marriage of Convenience plot, which I have a soft spot for. I liked the characters and I liked they way they got to know each other. The end tied up a little too easily but hey, it is a romance. 3/5
16. The Silver Kiss by The Silver Kiss This is another vampire story. However, I didn't like it at all. It was just depressing. I liked the main girl character but I really didn't like any other the other characters. I didn't really like the plot or the ending. 1/5
17. Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay Cute light mystery. The characters are librarians in a small town and along with their friends from the Crafternoon bookclub they have to clear the children's librarian from being the #1 murder suspect when her ex-boyfriend turns up dead.3/5

Wait, there are more Cynster novels? When did that happen?! :D

18. Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
19. Dead Is the New Black by Marlene Perez
Two very fun YA vampire novels. Not the run-of-the-mill stories. Loved them. In the Perez book, neither the main character or her boyfriend are the vamp. New twist. 3/5 for both.

Rooks wrote: "Wait, there are more Cynster novels? When did that happen?! :D"

This is a new trilogy. The younger generation. I think the third one comes out in the next month or two. You get to see some of the favorite characters again from the Cynster and the Bastian Club novels in little cameo roles. Start with Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue.

Well thanks for the heads up then - I remember those being fun fluff. :)

20. Baking Soda by Vicki Lansky Who knew all the things you could do with baking soda? I learned something new. Now some of the things I would never use but, did you know you could clean silver with it? The information was presented in a fun way and it was a very quick read.

21. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly Ok, I have really mixed feelings about this book. It was moving and tells a story that gives a peep in to the life of the frontier in the northern midwest by the great lakes. My favorite thing about this book was the "word of the day" that begins the chapters and that provides the material for the word game that she and her best friend, Weaver, play to pass the time. I loved that! I loved the way she describes the way words affect and move her.
Matty, the main character, dreams of something more. She has the brains and the talent to achieve her dreams, but she doesn't have the money or freedom to make it work. This really portrays the difficulties women faced in the late 1800's to early 1900's. There were so few freedoms and so few choices. Especially for the poor.
The book jumps back and forth from the events towards the end, to the events leading up to it and it was a little hard to follow. I didn't really fall in love with any of the characters and I just found the whole thing depressing. I didn't close this book with a smile. Yet, it affected me. 3.5/5
21. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley I have found another author I really enjoy. You all know I am a friend of romance and this book was a good book to follow the previous one because this one made me happy and close with a smile. I enjoy the way Kearsley weaves history and past with the present. This is a book that explores time travel but it seemed possible, more natural I guess. Especially if you have a little of the Celtic in you. Loved the characters, loved the setting (Cornwall), loved the story.

Oh, I love The Infernal Devices! Have you read The City of...series? I wanted to,but I think I'd rather wait until after I read Clockwork Princess...which doesn't come out until 2013, that made me sad, lol.

Alex wrote: "Oh, I love The Infernal Devices! Have you read The City of...series? I wanted to,but I think I'd rather wait until after I read Clockwork Princess...which doesn't come out until 2013, that made me ..."

So sad it will be 2013 before we get the rest of the story. By that time, I will have to read them all again. I had to reread the Clockwork Angel before I read Clockwork Prince so I could remember all the little things and people. I have read the whole City of....series. Loved them! Looking forward to the next one out soon. I don't think it would matter if you read them now. They don't really connect in any way other than family names. The story lines are pretty different. I will say that even though I really like the first series, I like the Infernal Devices better.

22. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George I loved this children's book. I would recommend to any girl 3rd-8th grade. I would recommend it to any other age who wants to read it as well. I really enjoyed it. Cute story, characters I loved(including the castle),very inventive and fun.4/5

23. The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope Even though this was published in 1974, I had never heard of it. I think it must be one of the original YA fantasy books having to do with the Fae. I really enjoyed it. It is set during the reign of Queen Mary just before Elizabeth ascends to the throne.

Nanci wrote: "23. The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope Even though this was published in 1974, I had never heard of it. I think it must be one of the original YA fantasy books..."

I *love* this book - thanks for inspiring me to go back and reread it!

24. The Moor by Laurie R. King
25. The Outcasts by John Flanagan I look forward to more in this series. This was definitely a set-up for the further adventures to come. Not as wonderful as the Ranger Apprentice but still worth the time and a great series for YA audiences.
26.
The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier I enjoyed this YA fantasy. Not one I will rave about but I liked it. Characters are interesting and the world is interesting. Falls just a little flat somehow. I can't really explain how but I enjoyed reading it and would read another if she comes up with a sequel.
27.Seven Tears Into the Sea by Terri Farley Maybe I am just into Happily Ever After too much but I didn't love this book. Not really the HAE I was wanting. Came away from this book feeling like it was a waste of time.
28. The Accidental Bride Cute story. Fun and romantic situation. I enjoyed this Christian romance for the most part. I didn't like the main girl character as much as I would have liked. Her attitude and unforgiving nature and closed heart bugged me.
29. The Diamond Key by Barbara Metzger Cute Regency Romance. I always think Metzger has a nice story and characters I like.
30.Local Hero by Nora Roberts Cute story, nice Valentine romance. Loved the hero, A comic book writer and artist. Loved the little boy, Radley.

31. by Charlotte Brontë It was so fun to reconnect with this book. When I last read it, I was about 15 so it was about time. Reading it as an adult with so many years behind me, I felt it in a different way but loved it just as much. I think I want to watch the movie now. Do any of you have ideas about which version is the best?

32.
33.
Both of these books are in a series by Christian author Denise Hunter. I liked them both. The story for Surrender Bay is darker and the heroine, less likeable. I liked Driftwood Lane the best of the 3 I have read in her Nantucket series.
34. I didn't really like this one much. Not much in the way of substance. Not much to connect with. Too much drama in one sense, too little drama in other ways.

35. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones 3.5/5 I had never read Diana Wynne Jones. I kept seeing the movie form of this go across the desk at the library so I thought I would try out the book and then see the movie. I liked them both but they are very different. The movie storyline takes a great deal of artistic license and goes a different direction. I ended up seeing the movie while reading the book and I think that if I hadn't had at least some background from the book, the movie would have been very confusing.

I have the movie but never realized that there was a book connection. I really like the style of Miyazaki movies, but would be interested in how the book storyline goes. Thanks for sharing this book title!

36. HEYERWOOD: A Novel by Lauren Gilbert I came away from this book disappointed. I kept thinking there would be more to it, that it was building background . Then, it was at the end and it just an end.

37. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale It has been forever since I read Austenland and although there may be a few characters from the first, it is a whole new story.If I remember right, I was much more impressed with this book. I really liked the way she wrote this. I related to the main character very well. The opening paragraph pulled me right in. 4/5

So I decided to listen to you and try out the Mortal Instruments series. I really love them, I've only read City Of Bones, but I am going to read them all I think. But I agree, I like The Infernal Devices better.

38. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery I hadn't seen this Montgomery offering before. Someone at the library recommended it to me and I am so glad. Cute little romance and a very late-blooming coming of age.
39. The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie I had never read a Tommy and Tuppence mystery. This one is the introduction for the duo and I loved it! Thanks to...mmm...forgive me,I can't remember who,you know who you are...for listing it and getting me going on it.

40.Dead Is a State of Mind by Marlene Perez The 2nd in this Perez series. Cute YA mystery. No vampires this time but some ghosts, werewolves, and shape-shifters.
41. The Temporary Wife/A Promise of Spring by Mary Balogh I am a Balogh fan. Her characters and stories just seem to hook me. I read The Temporary Wife maybe 15 years ago but the library discarded it soon after that. I have been waiting for Balogh to republish it so I could read it again.
42.She's My Momby Rebecca Winters Sweet story about a son who finds his mother who had been thought dead. (My husband thinks I shouldn't count these cute Harlequin Romances as real books so you can decide I guess)

Nanci wrote: "38. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery I hadn't seen this Montgomery offering before. Someone at the library recommended it to me and I am so glad. Cute little romance a..."

Aw, thanks! That just made my night! They're probably my fav Christie detectives. Let me know if you want the other titles they show up in (each title jumps a decade a so.) I've enjoyed your posts, too - I'm especially intrigued about Baking Soda!

Mary wrote: "Nanci wrote: "38. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery I hadn't seen this Montgomery offering before. Someone at the library recommended it to me and I am so glad. Cute li..."

I would love to have the order. The library doesn't list them that way. Thanks!
You know, you just have to pick up a non-fiction now and then. I was in need of some house-cleaning help so I picked up the Baking Soda book. Actually was a fun and interesting book.

43. Dead Is So Last Year by Marlene Perez There must be another book coming after this one. The short mystery was solved but the long running one was not fully tied up.
44. One Second After by William R. Forstchen This is an interesting book. For those who like Dystopian books, this book gives you a very real idea how that type of societal breakdown could come about in the USA, the land of the free. (Think Hunger Games) The threat is an interesting one that I had never heard of but could be very real for us. It gives you something to think about. The premise is a nuclear bomb which causes an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and takes out all electronics in the country. Since our society is very technological, and relies on communication and transportation, this causes things to go back hundreds of years and people are unprepared to survive without the grocery stores,drug stores, clothing stores, etc. Slightly predictable in that you pretty well know where it is going and who is going to die. A little too convenient that there are enough ex-military people to take the lead. Not great literature but interesting and a leaves you with much to think about. Hmmm...maybe I should get some books on my shelf about gardening, herbs, making soap and candles...?

Tommy and Tuppence books:
1. The Secret Adversary
2. Partners in Crime (short stories)
3. N or M?
4. By the Pricking of my Thumbs
5. Postern of Fate

Mary wrote: "Tommy and Tuppence books:
1. The Secret Adversary
2. Partners in Crime (short stories)
3. N or M?
4. By the Pricking of my Thumbs
5. Postern of Fate"

Thanks!

45. Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer
46. Tenth Grade Bleeds
47. Eleventh Grade Burns

I am really enjoying this series. I read the first one back in January and am finally getting to the others. One more to go.... This is a Vampire-trying-to-live-a-normal-life story that guys could read and enjoy. (Girls too as I am enjoying them) There is action and humor and a little bit of romance. I like the way Brewer ages Vladimir in each book and the dangers and complexity grow as well. I have listened to some of them on audio and the reader does a really great job. Very fun to listen to.

48. The Traitor In The Tunnel by Y.S. Lee I like this YA series. I have a fondness for period mystery and this third offering in the series was interesting. This isn't has hardcore as Anne Perry's books (which I love) and I guess that is why it is categorized as YA. However, in the library system I work in, it is in the adult section. This third book takes an interesting twist at the end which makes me question where she will go with following books.

49. Football Genius
50.Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open

I enjoyed these two books that fill the need for sports enthusiast kids.

51. Twelfth Grade Kills by Heather Brewer I finished the series and I loved it. I am going to have to look into the spin-off series she is writing now.
52. Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo I thought this book was really interesting. I liked the way the story was told and it is certainly something to think about.

53. Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos I had some laughs and the history tidbits were fun and interesting. I didn't do any research so I am not sure if the little pieces of history were true and accurate. It can't say I loved this book. It was somehow disappointing to me.
54. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Still trying to figure out how I feel about this one. It was very strange and very interesting. I guess that is the feel of Le Cirque. I started it once about 6 months ago on audio and just couldn't get into it. I gave it another chance and had the book as well and did a little bit of listening a little bit of reading and this time it held my attention better. I love Jim Dale as a reader in general, but I am not sure his style was right for this book. I think it is worth a read though.

56. Family by Design by Bonnie K. Winn
57. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter Love this series. This was a good offering, maybe not my favorite and not as fun. No laughing moments in this one. But I guess that is how it goes as the girls get older and the story gets more intense. I was hoping this would be the end of the story since it is the girls senior year. Not so, it will be another year at least before we find out the end of the story.

58. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman I listened to this on a recent road trip. The reader, Barbara Rosenblat, is one of my favorites and she makes this adventure so much fun to get involved in. Mrs. Pollifax is an elderly widow turned CIA spy quite by accident. This is the 2nd book in the series. This is a re-read for me but it had been so long I had forgotten. Loved this.

59. Undercover Husband by Rebecca Winters Cute, light, romance. Quick two hour read but a nice escape for an evening. A detective goes undercover posing as the new husband in order to catch a stalker and, of course, love is in the air.

60. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan This was cute. The presentation is the two main characters talking into a recorder, recording their adventures and looking for recruits to help them in the fight against Chaos. This features the Egyption mythological gods. This one isn't as great as the Percy Jackson series but still fun and worth the read.

61. Lonestar Sanctuary by Colleen Coble
62. The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman Another road trip, another fun mystery.
63.Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble A little more religious than Lonestar Sanctuary but a nice romance. Story wasn't as strong but nice.
64. The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston This one sounded better than it was. It was just OK for me.
65.The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
66.Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen I read this in high school but I didn't really get it. This time I think I did.
67. Northanger Alibi by Jenni James This was just Ok. If you are a teenage girl, which is the intended target, you might like it better because it covers several teenage girl fantasies and it is cute. It is funny in that rather than the gothic novels of Radcliffe, as in the case of the original, it is the Twighlight books that provide the suspicion factor.
68. Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus This was too religious for me. I don't mind some in a Christian romance you expect that, this went a little too far for my taste.

69. Friends & Foes by Sarah M. Eden I enjoy Sarah Eden's regency romances. I think they always have a good story.
70. The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
71. Lover's Vows by Joan Smith This one was OK. It is a pretty old book so I couldn't find it listed.
72. There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones I liked this one. It was fairly religious but it was an interesting story.
73. Death of a Gentle Lady by M.C. Beaton This was my first Hamish Macbeth novel and I loved it! I didn't realized it would make me laugh (There were a couple of times I could hardly stop laughing) as well as have a good mystery.
75. The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark This one was just OK for me. I have enjoyed her books in the past but maybe I have read too many.

76. The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby This was my third attempt to read this book and I finally finished it. I don't really know what it was about this book but I just had a hard time keeping to it. Just didn't hold me.
77. Death of a Witch by M.C. BeatonNot quite as entertaining as the last Hamish McBeth I read but I enjoyed it.
78. Starters by Lissa PriceMy daughter saw this book on the counter and said "Mom, why are your reading this creepy book?" It does has a kind of creepy cover and the story is a little disturbing about old people gaining the ability to take over a teen body and be able to do things they can't do in a 100 year old body. All the middle age people are killed in by a germwarfare weapon because only the very young and very old received the vaccine. The young are know as Starters, the old, Enders. It is an interesting sci fi. I liked it and I look forward to reading the sequel when it comes out.

79. Justice Hall by Laurie R. King Nice entry in the Mary Russell mysteries. This one wasn't my favorite but still enjoyable. A little slower pace.
80. The Thief byClive Cussler Love Isaac Bell! Love this series.
81. Secrets after Dark by Marie Higgins This one just didn't do it for me. Sort of reminded me of a Marcia Mclure novel, a little cheesy but it had none of the charm her books have. Not worth your time.
82. Merely Magic
83. Magic Man

84. Locked Rooms by Laurie R. King
85. Mariana by Susanna Kearsley Disappointed in this one. The ending really didn't work for me.
86. The Invaders by John Flanagan Love this author. This is a good 2nd in the series.
87. Rugged and Relentless by Kelly Eileen Hake
88.Fateful by Claudia Gray Titanic with werewolves. The bad guy is truly awful and the hero, very romantic. Kind of a mediocre story but I enjoyed it.
89. The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory Well done historical novel. I haven't read this author for a very long time and I enjoyed this very much. I think I fell in love with the husband of The Lady. What a guy! This books gives you a look at the reign of King Henry the VI of England.

90. The Roar An interesting YA sci-fi. It is not worth raves but I enjoyed it and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
91. A Discovery of Witches I had to do a re-read because I couldn't remember the story well enough for when the 2nd one comes out. Once again, I enjoyed it.
92. Garden Plot This was a cute little murder mystery. Doesn't really make me want to look up more of this author though.
93. Golden Urchin by Madeleine Brent Right up there with Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt. I enjoyed this book and I wish my library had more of this author.

94. The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan
95 The Vespertine Saundra Mitchell
96. The Language of Beesby Laurie R. King Just know that you will want to have the next book The God of the Hive ready to go because the story ends in the middle of the adventure.
97. Abandon by Meg Cabot
98. Underworldby Meg Cabot
99. The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
100. The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King

101. Out of Control by Mary Connealy
102. In Too Deepby Mary Connealy

103. The Whisperby Emma Clayton This got a little political and environmental but I enjoyed it. For some reason, I felt a little let down at the end. 3/5
104. Moonraker's Bride by Madeleine Brent Love gothic romantic suspense. Takes me back to my teens. I enjoyed this one.