Melody's Reading Corner: Fantasy Reading Challenge

Showing posts with label Fantasy Reading Challenge. Show all posts

Melody

I'm sure some of you may be able to relate to this - you signed up for a few reading challenges (and then some more as you go along) but then halfway down the road you began to notice that you either could not keep up with these challenges, or you just simply didn't have the mood to read those books which you have committed anymore. As for me, I'm leaning more towards the latter so I figure I may as well give up these challenges as I don't think I will be able to complete them in time, considering it is almost the end of the year (wow, where does the time go?).

So these are the following challenges that I decided to let go:

POC Reading Challenge
I read only 1 book out of 6 - American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge
And out of 12 books, I read only 6 books for this challenge:
Killing Floor by Lee Child
A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott
Faithful Place by Tana French
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Burn by Ted Dekker & Erin Healy
Dying Scream by Mary Burton

The Romance Reading Challenge
And 2 out of 5 books for this challenge:
Ruthless by Anne Stuart
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Meanwhile, I still have four other reading challenges which I'm hoping to complete so let's see how my progress is (I didn't want to give them up at this point since I may want to read those genres; and I have also completed the YA Reading Challenge). That said, I wish to thank all the hostesses for hosting these wonderful reading challenges.

As for next year reading challenges, I think I will still participate in a few that interest me but then my priority will be focused on the books I want to read from my towering TBR pile.

What about you? Have you completed all the reading challenges you have participated this year?

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Melody

ISBN-13: 9781847386953
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: October 2009
391 pgs
Source: Personal Library

There have been a lot of hype surrounding this book when it was first released (or maybe way before it was released), and with a premise involving a fallen angel and forbidden love, I can see why Hush, Hush has generated so much interest from most readers. For me I have always been fascinated by angels so naturally I have to read this book.

The story begins when a Nephil took an oath with a mysterious boy way back in the 1560s in France. Fast forward to the present day in Maine, the focus shifted to Nora Grey as she took the role of the protagonist and we get to see things through her perspective. Though Nora is sensible and independent, there is a bout of uncertainty and insecurity in her but who can blame her when her father is murdered years ago and that her mother has to travel a lot to work to make ends meet.

Her peaceful life changes after she met a charismatic new student who later became her deskmate in her Biology class. Patch is mysterious and seems to have an aura of danger surrounding him, and on top of that she finds him unsettling for he seems to know a lot of things about her, and then there is something about him that is not quite right but still, she could not help being intrigued and fascinated by him.

Her doubts in him deepened when she encountered several terrifying incidents because she keeps seeing him everywhere, and at this stage she is more determined to find out about Patch and what his agenda is. To add complexity and excitement to this story, Nora and her good friend Vee will meet another two new male students transferred to their school. Nora will soon find out the truth about fallen angels and Nephilim and why she is being caught in the middle of an age-old feud.

So what is my verdict after reading this book? I liked the story, but I cannot say I loved it. The characterisations are great, and I enjoyed the exchanges between Nora and Patch but somewhat I felt something is lacking. Then again, I think it might be due from my initial expectations, for I did not anticipate the story to go towards another direction. I have to admit the mystery surrounding a masked person who wanted to kill Nora had me pondering, still I was a little disappointed as I expected it to pack with a bit more punch. Anyway, as I mentioned, it is not a flaw and is mainly due to my expectations, that is all. Also, I wanted to know more about Patch's past, but I understand it might be the author's intention to make him more mysterious so I am hoping I could get to learn more about him in the sequel.

Oh, another thing I want to mention is Nora's good friend, Vee. Her bubbly and her ever enthusiastic personality is absolutely contagious; I could just 'feel' her voice simply flipping through those pages. Overall, I find Hush, Hush an entertaining read and I definitely look forward to the sequel, Crescendo, come November.

(Click here for other bookbloggers' reviews.)

Labels: 3.75 stars, Book Review, Fantasy Reading Challenge, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult 11 comments |

2010 Reading Challenges: The More the Merrier!

Melody

Here are a few more reading challenges I am joining for next year, though I have not decided on the lists, but being a moody reader I guess I will have to keep those lists open.

First of all, the Graphic Novels Challenge hosted by Chris and Nymeth. I have to admit I don't read a lot of graphic novels (mangas probably) so this is a good opportunity for me to read more of this genre.

The rules:

The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st (but we don't mind you starting early.)
You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)
We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate (3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.
There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.
Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.

Since I'm considering a novice under this category, I will go for the 'Beginner' where I'm requested to read 3 graphic novels.

I am happy to see Naida of The Bookworm is hosting the Romance Reading Challenge again in 2010. Here's what she says:

I'm happy to say that my Romance Reading Challenge is going into it's third year! Wow! Thank you all who have joined and read and posted thier reviews. That's amazing to me, that I started a challenge and other bloggers joined up and participated, it's really great. I hope you will sign up again this year.
So, without further ado, here's the rules:

1. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

2. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

3. Read them at your own pace in 2010 then post the link to your review(s).

And finally, Alaine of The Royal Reviews is hosting a Fantasy Reading Challenge in 2010.

The Fantasy Reading Challenge can include YA Fantasy or Historical Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy or any other sub genre of Fantasy. There really are no limits to this challenge as Fantasy is such a wide and varied genre. Just enjoy and have fun!

The rules:

Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section on the post about the challenge.
Any book format counts.
You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

There are four participation levels:

Curious– Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels. (I'm picking this level.)Fascinated– Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.
Addicted– Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.
Obsessed– Read 20 Fantasy Fiction novels.

So that is all from me at the moment. I am sure I will participate in more, after all they are so fun and addictive (plus, the buttons are all so lovely)!