Roro's Reading Games
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Talk 2015 Category Challenge
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1Roro8
Roro’s Reading Games
For 2015 I have raided the games cupboard for my reading categories. Each one is based on a well known and much loved board game.
I have got 15 categories. I will consider a category closed when I have read 2015 pages for that category. Where appropriate, left over pages from one category can be carried over to another category. Every page counts! I may not fill every category, and I’m not going to commit to filling each one. We will see how many categories I can fill. I will be starting January 1 and finishing December 31, 2015.
Total number of categories completed in 2015
__________________________________________
Total number of books read in 2015 = 17
Number of books from my own bookshelf = 7
Number of my own ebooks = 4
Number of borrowed books = 6
Total number of pages read in 2015
For 2015 I have raided the games cupboard for my reading categories. Each one is based on a well known and much loved board game.
I have got 15 categories. I will consider a category closed when I have read 2015 pages for that category. Where appropriate, left over pages from one category can be carried over to another category. Every page counts! I may not fill every category, and I’m not going to commit to filling each one. We will see how many categories I can fill. I will be starting January 1 and finishing December 31, 2015.
Total number of categories completed in 2015
__________________________________________
Total number of books read in 2015 = 17
Number of books from my own bookshelf = 7
Number of my own ebooks = 4
Number of borrowed books = 6
Total number of pages read in 2015
2Roro8
Cleudo
The Classic Who done it? Game. This is where mysteries belong
Snakes and Ladders
As this is a game played by children this is where I will be putting books related to children, childhood, coming of age.
Connect Four
Get four in a row and you win. This is where my series reads are going.
Game Of Life
I used to love playing this game with my sister when I was a kid. You get a in car, drive along the road that takes you though life and see what happens. This is where I will put books that are family or relationship oriented.
Scrabble
In this game you make the best words you can with the letters you have available. It seems like a good place to put books that are sitting on my shelves waiting to be read, they are definitely available.
Risk
The classic war game where one person must conquer the world. This is where I will put my books about war and battles.
Twister
Twister can be uncomfortable depending who you are playing it with. I plan on putting books that take me out of my comfort zone here. Probably some SFFFCat will end up here.
Trivial Pursuit
History isn’t trivial but it is full of interesting facts. This is where I will put my historical reads.
Monopoly
Monopoly takes ages to play and some books take ages to read (I’m thinking Diana Gabaldon). This is where really long books go, more than 600 pages at least.
Chess
I always think of chess as a serious game. This is where my non-fiction books will go.
Battleship
OH NO! I’ve been hit! A category for book bullets.
Operation
I hope I can keep the patient alive. This category is for medical themed books
Jenga
Is it all going to fall down if I pull this block out? Thrillers are going here.
Chinese Checkers
I love books about other cultures. In this category I am going to put books set in Asia, or written by authors with Asian connections.
Yahtzee
This one seems appropriate for CATs and group reads, so this is where they will go.
The Classic Who done it? Game. This is where mysteries belong
Snakes and Ladders
As this is a game played by children this is where I will be putting books related to children, childhood, coming of age.
Connect Four
Get four in a row and you win. This is where my series reads are going.
Game Of Life
I used to love playing this game with my sister when I was a kid. You get a in car, drive along the road that takes you though life and see what happens. This is where I will put books that are family or relationship oriented.
Scrabble
In this game you make the best words you can with the letters you have available. It seems like a good place to put books that are sitting on my shelves waiting to be read, they are definitely available.
Risk
The classic war game where one person must conquer the world. This is where I will put my books about war and battles.
Twister
Twister can be uncomfortable depending who you are playing it with. I plan on putting books that take me out of my comfort zone here. Probably some SFFFCat will end up here.
Trivial Pursuit
History isn’t trivial but it is full of interesting facts. This is where I will put my historical reads.
Monopoly
Monopoly takes ages to play and some books take ages to read (I’m thinking Diana Gabaldon). This is where really long books go, more than 600 pages at least.
Chess
I always think of chess as a serious game. This is where my non-fiction books will go.
Battleship
OH NO! I’ve been hit! A category for book bullets.
Operation
I hope I can keep the patient alive. This category is for medical themed books
Jenga
Is it all going to fall down if I pull this block out? Thrillers are going here.
Chinese Checkers
I love books about other cultures. In this category I am going to put books set in Asia, or written by authors with Asian connections.
Yahtzee
This one seems appropriate for CATs and group reads, so this is where they will go.
3Roro8
Cleudo
The Classic Who done it? Game. This is where mysteries belong. (This is the version we have)
1 {106 pages} A Parliament of Spies by Cassandra Clark - did not finish
2
3
The Classic Who done it? Game. This is where mysteries belong. (This is the version we have)
1 {106 pages} A Parliament of Spies by Cassandra Clark - did not finish
2
3
4Roro8
Snakes and Ladders
As this is a game played by children this is where I will be putting books related to children, childhood, coming of age.
1 - {405 pages} Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
2 - {568 pages} The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
3 - {373 pages} The Ice Twins by S K Tremain
1346 pages read
669 pages to go
As this is a game played by children this is where I will be putting books related to children, childhood, coming of age.
1 - {405 pages} Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
2 - {568 pages} The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
3 - {373 pages} The Ice Twins by S K Tremain
1346 pages read
669 pages to go
5Roro8
Connect Four
Get four in a row and you win. This is where my series reads are going.
1 - {336 pages} Sarah by Marek Halter, Canaan Trilogy
2- {493 pages} The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts book 2
3
336 pages read
1186 pages to go
Get four in a row and you win. This is where my series reads are going.
1 - {336 pages} Sarah by Marek Halter, Canaan Trilogy
2- {493 pages} The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts book 2
3
336 pages read
1186 pages to go
6Roro8
Game Of Life
I used to love playing this game with my sister when I was a kid. You get a in car, drive along the road that takes you though life and see what happens. This is where I will put books that are family or relationship oriented.
1 - (552 pages) The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine
2
3
552 pages read
1463 pages to go
I used to love playing this game with my sister when I was a kid. You get a in car, drive along the road that takes you though life and see what happens. This is where I will put books that are family or relationship oriented.
1 - (552 pages) The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine
2
3
552 pages read
1463 pages to go
7Roro8
Scrabble
In this game you make the best words you can with the letters you have available. It seems like a good place to put books that are sitting on my shelves waiting to be read, they are definitely available.
1- {480 pages} The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
2 - {487 pages} River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine
3
967 pages read
1048 pages to go
In this game you make the best words you can with the letters you have available. It seems like a good place to put books that are sitting on my shelves waiting to be read, they are definitely available.
1- {480 pages} The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
2 - {487 pages} River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine
3
967 pages read
1048 pages to go
8Roro8
Risk
The classic war game where one person must conquer the world. This is where I will put my books about war and battles.
1 - (302 pages) The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell
2 - (435 pages) The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield
3
737 pages read
1278 pages to go
The classic war game where one person must conquer the world. This is where I will put my books about war and battles.
1 - (302 pages) The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell
2 - (435 pages) The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield
3
737 pages read
1278 pages to go
9Roro8
Twister
Twister can be uncomfortable depending who you are playing it with. I plan on putting books that take me out of my comfort zone here. Probably some SFFFCat will end up here.
1 - {304 pages} Death of an Ordinary Man by Glen Duncan
2
3
304 pages read
1711 pages to go
Twister can be uncomfortable depending who you are playing it with. I plan on putting books that take me out of my comfort zone here. Probably some SFFFCat will end up here.
1 - {304 pages} Death of an Ordinary Man by Glen Duncan
2
3
304 pages read
1711 pages to go
10Roro8
Trivial Pursuit
History isn’t trivial but it is full of interesting facts. This is where I will put my historical reads.
1 - {530 pages} River God by Wilbur Smith
2 - {356 pages} Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion by multiple authors
3
886 pages read
1129 pages to go
History isn’t trivial but it is full of interesting facts. This is where I will put my historical reads.
1 - {530 pages} River God by Wilbur Smith
2 - {356 pages} Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion by multiple authors
3
886 pages read
1129 pages to go
11Roro8
Monopoly
Monopoly takes ages to play and some books take ages to read (I’m thinking Diana Gabaldon). This is where really long books go, more than 600 pages at least.
1
2
3
Monopoly takes ages to play and some books take ages to read (I’m thinking Diana Gabaldon). This is where really long books go, more than 600 pages at least.
1
2
3
12Roro8
Chess
I always think of chess as a serious game. This is where my non-fiction books will go.
1
2
3
I always think of chess as a serious game. This is where my non-fiction books will go.
1
2
3
13Roro8
Battleship
OH NO! I’ve been hit! A category for book bullets.
1 - {256 pages} The Storied Life of A J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (BB christinareads)
2
3
Potential books
Big Little Lies BB skrouhan
A Rural Affair BB Hanneri
256 pages read
1759 pages to go
OH NO! I’ve been hit! A category for book bullets.
1 - {256 pages} The Storied Life of A J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (BB christinareads)
2
3
Potential books
Big Little Lies BB skrouhan
A Rural Affair BB Hanneri
256 pages read
1759 pages to go
15Roro8
Jenga
Is it all going to fall down if I pull this block out? Thrillers are going here.
1 - {480 pages} Already Dead by Jaye Ford
2
3
480 pages read
1535 pages to go
Is it all going to fall down if I pull this block out? Thrillers are going here.
1 - {480 pages} Already Dead by Jaye Ford
2
3
480 pages read
1535 pages to go
16Roro8
Chinese Checkers
I love books about other cultures. In this category I am going to put books set in Asia, or written by authors with Asian connections.
1 - (478 pages) Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton
2
3
478 pages read
1537 pages to go
I love books about other cultures. In this category I am going to put books set in Asia, or written by authors with Asian connections.
1 - (478 pages) Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton
2
3
478 pages read
1537 pages to go
17Roro8
Yahtzee
This one seems appropriate for CATs, KITs and group reads, so this is where they will go.
1 - {453 pages} The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
2
3
453 pages read
1562 pages to go
This one seems appropriate for CATs, KITs and group reads, so this is where they will go.
1 - {453 pages} The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
2
3
453 pages read
1562 pages to go
18Roro8
CATs and Reading Trough Time Group reads
I am going to be fairly casual with the CATs this year. I am pretty keen to try most of the SFFCAT as it is out of my usual reading zone. I am still committed to the RTT group. So these two will be prioritised.
January
RandomCAT (Olympus Has Fallen): The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared
HistoryCAT (BC-1 or Myths & Legends): River God by Wilbur Smith
SFFCAT (historical, steampunk, gaslamp): The Witch's Daughter
RTT (BC): River God by Wilbur Smith
RTT Quarterly theme (WWI): PASS
AlphaKIT (J and T): The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson, Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult, The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell
February
RandomCAT (from pages to the screen): PASS
HistoryCAT (1-500 or Religion): Sarah by Marek Halter
SFFCAT (written before 1980): PASS
RTT (general Religion): Sarah by Marek Halter
RTT Quarterly theme (WWI): PASS
AlphaKIT (I and B): Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion by Melanie Benjamin + others, The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine
March
RandomCAT (Cool cats - reading something popular): PASS
HistoryCAT (500-1000 or Exploration & Conquest): The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume, The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
SFFCAT (apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, dystopian): PASS
RTT (1-1000): The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts
RTT Quarterly theme (WWI): The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield
AlphaKIT (H and Q): The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume, The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
April
RandomCAT (aperire): River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine
HistoryCAT (1000-1300 or Crimes & Mysteries):
SFFCAT (fairy tales, myths):
RTT (crime and mystery):
RTT quarterly theme (between WWI and WWII):
AlphaKIT (E and F): River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine,
May
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1300-1500 or Plagues & Disasters):
SFFCAT (female authors/characters):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
June
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1500-1600 or Culture & the Arts):
SFFCAT (time travel, alternate history):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
July
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1600-1700 or Immigration & Migration):
SFFCAT (critters/creatures, non-humans):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
August
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1700-1800 or Medicine & Disease):
SFFCAT (other worlds, space):
RTT:
AlphaKIT (V & M):
September
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1800-1850 or Lifestyles of Ordinary People):
SFFCAT (slipstream, magical realism, genre benders):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
October
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1850-1900 or Science & Technology):
SFFCAT (supernatural, paranormal, gothic):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
November
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1900-1945 or War & Peace):
SFFCAT (quests, heroes, superheroes, epic journeys):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
December
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1945-1990 or Civil Rights & Equality):
SFFCAT (influential, awards):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
I am going to be fairly casual with the CATs this year. I am pretty keen to try most of the SFFCAT as it is out of my usual reading zone. I am still committed to the RTT group. So these two will be prioritised.
January
RandomCAT (Olympus Has Fallen): The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared
HistoryCAT (BC-1 or Myths & Legends): River God by Wilbur Smith
SFFCAT (historical, steampunk, gaslamp): The Witch's Daughter
RTT (BC): River God by Wilbur Smith
RTT Quarterly theme (WWI): PASS
AlphaKIT (J and T): The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson, Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult, The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell
February
RandomCAT (from pages to the screen): PASS
HistoryCAT (1-500 or Religion): Sarah by Marek Halter
SFFCAT (written before 1980): PASS
RTT (general Religion): Sarah by Marek Halter
RTT Quarterly theme (WWI): PASS
AlphaKIT (I and B): Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion by Melanie Benjamin + others, The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine
March
RandomCAT (Cool cats - reading something popular): PASS
HistoryCAT (500-1000 or Exploration & Conquest): The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume, The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
SFFCAT (apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, dystopian): PASS
RTT (1-1000): The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts
RTT Quarterly theme (WWI): The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield
AlphaKIT (H and Q): The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume, The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
April
RandomCAT (aperire): River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine
HistoryCAT (1000-1300 or Crimes & Mysteries):
SFFCAT (fairy tales, myths):
RTT (crime and mystery):
RTT quarterly theme (between WWI and WWII):
AlphaKIT (E and F): River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine,
May
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1300-1500 or Plagues & Disasters):
SFFCAT (female authors/characters):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
June
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1500-1600 or Culture & the Arts):
SFFCAT (time travel, alternate history):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
July
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1600-1700 or Immigration & Migration):
SFFCAT (critters/creatures, non-humans):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
August
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1700-1800 or Medicine & Disease):
SFFCAT (other worlds, space):
RTT:
AlphaKIT (V & M):
September
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1800-1850 or Lifestyles of Ordinary People):
SFFCAT (slipstream, magical realism, genre benders):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
October
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1850-1900 or Science & Technology):
SFFCAT (supernatural, paranormal, gothic):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
November
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1900-1945 or War & Peace):
SFFCAT (quests, heroes, superheroes, epic journeys):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
December
RandomCAT ():
HistoryCAT (1945-1990 or Civil Rights & Equality):
SFFCAT (influential, awards):
RTT:
AlphaKIT:
21Roro8
>20 electrice: thanks electrice.
22rabbitprincess
Great theme! Good idea to include a category for book bullets.
I love The Game of Life, too! I used to have a computer version, but it won't work on my newer computer :(
I love The Game of Life, too! I used to have a computer version, but it won't work on my newer computer :(
25DeltaQueen50
I love your theme! I come from a games playing family and many afternoons were spent with the Risk, Life or Monopoly boards set up.
26mamzel
It's fun to set your theme with memory and joy inducing items. Scrabble, Risk, and Life all bring back good memories for me. Once my girlfriend (a pastry chef) made me a birthday cake designed like a Scrabble board with Happy Birthday spelled out in shortbread tiles. Hope you find lots of great books to fill up your category!
27Roro8
Thanks everyone. I love playing games still. My kids and I often get a game out if they say they are bored. Chinese Checkers is the latest favourite.
29MissWatson
Great theme! I had no idea what Chinese Checkers was, and now I see it's the one we call "Halma" in Germany. I always lost to my sister. Have fun reading!
31Roro8
>29 MissWatson:. What does Halma mean? My son won our last game. Kids love it when they beat mum or dad don't they.
>28 sanz57:, >30 majkia: thanks guys.
>28 sanz57:, >30 majkia: thanks guys.
32MissWatson
>31 Roro8: I had to look this up myself, apparently it is based on the Ancient Greek word for "jump", and in the original Olympic Games it was the broad jump where the athletes had to carry weights. (There's nothing so absurd as sports). It seems it was first played on square boards, but I know only the star-shaped boards.
34Roro8
>32 MissWatson: There's a good bit of trivia. Jumping carrying weights doesn't sound like my type of sport either..
>33 -Eva-: Thanks Eva. I think the nostalgia aspect of this theme was part of the appeal of the idea for me.
>33 -Eva-: Thanks Eva. I think the nostalgia aspect of this theme was part of the appeal of the idea for me.
36LittleTaiko
I love games! What a fun set of categories!
37Roro8
>35 cyderry: Thanks. I often think that when I look at other people's threads.
>36 LittleTaiko: Me too. It will be fun to see how my reading fits in each category.
>36 LittleTaiko: Me too. It will be fun to see how my reading fits in each category.
39Roro8
>38 Tazoh: RISK is one of my husband's favourites. He gets very serious about winning though.
42Roro8
I am thinking of ways to encourage myself to finish some of the series I am reading, or get up to date if they are not complete yet. Maybe I will post a gold star for myself when I get up to date with a series. At the end of the year I could see how many gold stars I have and incorporate it in my challenge some how. Hmmm, I will think on it a bit longer.
43thornton37814
I hadn't seen your theme when I picked Board Games for mine. I would have probably gone for the alternate idea I had if I had. However, I was having more trouble coming up with category names that matched my 5 categories with it.
44Roro8
>43 thornton37814: I'll have to go and check yours out, I'm sure we'd be a bit different anyway. You can save your alternate idea for next year, unless you come up with another one in the mean time.
45mysterymax
>29 MissWatson: Actually Chinese Checkers and Halma are not the same game. Chinese Checkers is a "child" of Halma. (Like Ludo and Sorry are from Parchesi). The original Halma (originating in the US is practically unheard of here now) was a little more strategic than Chinese Checkers. Halma has a square board and thus the players can move in 8 directions instead of six. The goal is the same, to get your pieces into the other player's starting base.
46Roro8
>45 mysterymax: thanks for the info. I always thought Ludo and Sorry were pretty much the same, although I can't remember playing either of them. It makes sense when you know that they have the same origins.
47mysterymax
Glad to be of help!
49Roro8
>48 Hanneri: thanks.
Now that I've finished my 2014 challenge I'm pretty keen to start over here. January 1 will be here before we know it.
Now that I've finished my 2014 challenge I'm pretty keen to start over here. January 1 will be here before we know it.
51lkernagh
Battleship is such a perfect category choice for book bullets! Great theme and trip down memory lane at the same time.
52Roro8
>51 lkernagh: Thanks Lori, you may find yourself mentioned in that category seeing as you often post reviews for books that sound interesting.
My 10 year old daughter got 'Game of Life' for Christmas and we have all been having heaps of fun playing it. I rang my sister in New Zealand to let her know how much fun we were having playing this game. She was stoked and said it was her favourite as a child too.
My 10 year old daughter got 'Game of Life' for Christmas and we have all been having heaps of fun playing it. I rang my sister in New Zealand to let her know how much fun we were having playing this game. She was stoked and said it was her favourite as a child too.
53dudes22
When our grandchildren were small and we would babysit, they would bring over Life for us to play. They used to get hysterical because my husband would end up with 6 or 8 kids. - or something like that - I forget how it's played, but you get the idea I'm going for. (The youngest is now a high school senior so it was a while ago.)
54Roro8
>53 dudes22:, that sounds right. My kids thought it was funny today when we played and my husband had one child and I had four. They also thought it was funny when he said his wife was named "Shakira".
55Roro8
I currently have two books on the go. Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion and The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared.
56Roro8
1. Scrabble
AlphaKIT, RandomCAT
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
This is a wonderful book that I reckon would make a great movie. The story begins with Allan Karlsson escaping from the old age home in order to skip his 100th birthday party. The old man climbs out the window and begins an amazing adventure that finds him on the run from the police and a bunch of bad guys. This charismatic man picks up a bunch of interesting friends along the way. There seems to be no end to the outrageous chain of events.
The story also includes the very interesting and unusual history of Allan's life. This goes a long way to explaining the personality of the old man.
Overall this is a very enjoyable story. It had me laughing out loud a few times, and very amused most of the time. I enjoyed every page.
AlphaKIT, RandomCAT
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
This is a wonderful book that I reckon would make a great movie. The story begins with Allan Karlsson escaping from the old age home in order to skip his 100th birthday party. The old man climbs out the window and begins an amazing adventure that finds him on the run from the police and a bunch of bad guys. This charismatic man picks up a bunch of interesting friends along the way. There seems to be no end to the outrageous chain of events.
The story also includes the very interesting and unusual history of Allan's life. This goes a long way to explaining the personality of the old man.
Overall this is a very enjoyable story. It had me laughing out loud a few times, and very amused most of the time. I enjoyed every page.
57MissWatson
Actually, it has been made into a movie in Sweden in 2013, directed by Felix Herngren.
59christina_reads
>56 Roro8: Book bullet!
60LittleTaiko
>56 Roro8: - I got that book for Christmas - can't wait to read it now!
61Roro8
>57 MissWatson:, that makes sense. I wonder if it was a hit?
>58 casvelyn:, I had it on my book radar for a while, then kobo had it on their daily deal for $4.99, that was further encouragement to read it. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
>59 christina_reads:, don't you love book bullets? I even made a category for them this year so I have very good reason to take a few.
>60 LittleTaiko:, sounds like somebody made a very good selection for you. I look forward to reading about what you think of it when you read it.
>58 casvelyn:, I had it on my book radar for a while, then kobo had it on their daily deal for $4.99, that was further encouragement to read it. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
>59 christina_reads:, don't you love book bullets? I even made a category for them this year so I have very good reason to take a few.
>60 LittleTaiko:, sounds like somebody made a very good selection for you. I look forward to reading about what you think of it when you read it.
62Roro8
I couldn't help myself. Here's my answers:
2015 Meme - Answers Based On Books I Read in 2014
Describe yourself: The House Girl
Describe how you feel: Blue Monday
Describe where you currently live: Lighthouse Bay
If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
The House of Silk
Your favorite form of transportation: The Swan Gondola
Your best friend is: Nora Webster
You and your friends are: Daughters of the Nile
What’s the weather like: Some Sunny Day
You fear: Killing Floor
What is the best advice you have to give: Die Trying
Thought for the day: Seven for a Secret
How I would like to die: Saving Grace
My soul’s present condition: The Fiery Cross
2015 Meme - Answers Based On Books I Read in 2014
Describe yourself: The House Girl
Describe how you feel: Blue Monday
Describe where you currently live: Lighthouse Bay
If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
The House of Silk
Your favorite form of transportation: The Swan Gondola
Your best friend is: Nora Webster
You and your friends are: Daughters of the Nile
What’s the weather like: Some Sunny Day
You fear: Killing Floor
What is the best advice you have to give: Die Trying
Thought for the day: Seven for a Secret
How I would like to die: Saving Grace
My soul’s present condition: The Fiery Cross
63mysterymax
Good answers!
64christina_reads
Love The Swan Gondola for your favorite form of transportation!
65Roro8
>63 mysterymax:, thanks. It was fun sorting though the titles to find a match.
>64 christina_reads:, that one was my favourite too. It is even more appropriate as when I eventually get to go overseas for a holiday, my dream destination is Venice where I plan to have a gondola ride.
>64 christina_reads:, that one was my favourite too. It is even more appropriate as when I eventually get to go overseas for a holiday, my dream destination is Venice where I plan to have a gondola ride.
66staci426
>56 Roro8: Love that title and it sounds like a good story. Will have to check it out. I love your game theme! I spent last weekend playing Life with my nieces, it was so much fun.
67Roro8
>66 staci426:, I would have to say Game of Life is my favourite of all the games I have made into categories. It's always a lot of fun. The kids always think it is funny when they end up with more babies than me. Plus, my husband always gives his acquired marriage partner funny names, and the babies too.
68RidgewayGirl
I love the game theme. Risk is the one that can last for days in my house.
69Roro8
>68 RidgewayGirl:, Risk is my husband's favourite. We don't play it very often as it does take a long time. He definitely likes to conquer the world.
70staci426
>67 Roro8: Yeah, my youngest niece refused to name any of her pieces, while the older one, picked the names of her favorite celebrities. They thought it was funny that I always seemed to end up with no kids.
71Roro8
>70 staci426:, last time we played my husband named his wife Shakira and his baby was called Pinto. I would have to agree that it is unusual to end up with no kids all the time.
73Roro8
>72 VivienneR:, I chose Lighthouse Bay for that answer as the book is actually set in my local area. It seemed like the perfect choice.
74MissWatson
>61 Roro8: According to the Swedish Film Institute, it was released on Christmas Day 2013 and managed to get to second place in 2013, so that surely counts as a hit. The 2014 stats are not out yet.
75Roro8
>74 MissWatson:, I just looked it up. It's available on iTunes! Thanks for pointing this information out. I am definitely going to watch that movie.
76MissWatson
>75 Roro8: Let us know how it compares to the book!
77DeltaQueen50
Some Sunny Day was a very inviting answer to the weather question. I live in a milder part of North America and have no snow to deal but winter here seems endless with our cloudy, rainy weather.
78Roro8
>76 MissWatson:, when I get my hands on it I will definitely post what I think. I expect there will be some differences to the book.
>77 DeltaQueen50:, that is for sure. Yesterday we spent the whole day out fishing on a hired BBQ boat. The kids alternated between fishing and swimming all day.
>77 DeltaQueen50:, that is for sure. Yesterday we spent the whole day out fishing on a hired BBQ boat. The kids alternated between fishing and swimming all day.
79DeltaQueen50
>78 Roro8: Now I am turning green with envy!!
80Roro8
Could somebody please remind me how to get to the page that shows all the series I am reading?
81casvelyn
Home (top header) > Stats/Memes (top subheader) > Series (left sidebar)
or
http://www.librarything.com/profile/Roro8/stats/series
or
http://www.librarything.com/profile/Roro8/stats/series
82Roro8
>81 casvelyn:, thank you so much. You even made a link for me - huge smiles from me.
83casvelyn
>82 Roro8: You're welcome. :)
84Roro8
2. Yahtzee
SFFCAT
The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
Book 1 in The Witch Chronicles
This book tells the story of Elizabeth Hawksmith, born in the 1600s and still alive in 2007. Circumstances in her young adulthood resulted in her turning to Gideon, somebody who she actively disliked, for help in her hour of greatest need. The price for his help is very steep, and ultimately is not a price she is willing to pay.
Into Elizabeth's life comes Tegan, a teenager who befriends Elizabeth. Elizabeth is frightened to become close to people as she is constantly moving in order to avoid Gideon finding her.
The book flashes back to three different points in Elizabeth's life. These almost read like short stories within the novel. I had a lot of sympathy for Elizabeth and liked her character. Tegan is a bit frustrating, but that is teenagers for you. Gideon is a true villain.
This was a book I really enjoyed. I don't normally read about witches and witchcraft in this context. The SFFCAT is broadening my horizons already. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
SFFCAT
The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
Book 1 in The Witch Chronicles
This book tells the story of Elizabeth Hawksmith, born in the 1600s and still alive in 2007. Circumstances in her young adulthood resulted in her turning to Gideon, somebody who she actively disliked, for help in her hour of greatest need. The price for his help is very steep, and ultimately is not a price she is willing to pay.
Into Elizabeth's life comes Tegan, a teenager who befriends Elizabeth. Elizabeth is frightened to become close to people as she is constantly moving in order to avoid Gideon finding her.
The book flashes back to three different points in Elizabeth's life. These almost read like short stories within the novel. I had a lot of sympathy for Elizabeth and liked her character. Tegan is a bit frustrating, but that is teenagers for you. Gideon is a true villain.
This was a book I really enjoyed. I don't normally read about witches and witchcraft in this context. The SFFCAT is broadening my horizons already. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
85luvamystery65
>84 Roro8: My niece read this book and really liked it. I'll definitely check it out.
This same niece and her husband told me at Christmas they stopped playing Risk the first year they were married because they are so competitive and they would seriously war with each other.
This same niece and her husband told me at Christmas they stopped playing Risk the first year they were married because they are so competitive and they would seriously war with each other.
86Roro8
>84 Roro8:, I'm glad your niece recognised the potential danger in playing risk with her husband. My husband plays with the kids. They almost expect to be defeated, but if they beat him they get very excited.
87LittleTaiko
>81 casvelyn: - Thanks for sharing - I never knew that was an option. Obviously I need to play around on the website more.
88casvelyn
>87 LittleTaiko: The whole Stats/Memes area is pretty awesome. But if you're at all obsessive, stay away from the Pages, Dimensions, and Weights page, or you'll end up measuring each and every one of your books with a ruler.
89Roro8
>88 casvelyn:, I had to check out all those things you mentioned. I told my kids about how many tons of books I have read. They were very impressed.
90Roro8
After the last few days at work, and this morning baking, it is now time to get into River God, it was getting off to a good start but Wilbur Smith has just spent a whole chapter describing the Pharoah's tomb. A bit much description to hold my attention unfortunately. It was a good time to employ the 'read the first line of the paragraph, then skip' technique.
91LittleTaiko
Great technique! I'm going to keep that in mind when I get to River God. A whole chapter on description, really?
92Roro8
>91 LittleTaiko:, there was a very small amount of dialogue, but I would say 80%+ was description. I am well past that section now and there has been more action, so that is good.
94Roro8
>93 lkernagh:, me too.
96mysterymax
Excellent!
97DeltaQueen50
Random book scoring is always fun!
98Roro8
I know!! I felt really lucky. I will put up a list of the books I scored soon, I've been busy at work and then with the family after work. My days off start of Friday, so I'll put the list up then.
Also it is Australia Day next Monday. We are planning a day at Noosa. The fishing rods, surfboards, stand-up-paddle board and body boards will all be packed. Plus we will have a BBQ, lamingtons and ANZAC cookies. Yum. It is going to be 34 degrees, so we better takes heaps of ice and water and the sunscreen. I've bought the Aussie flag bunting, bandanas and temporary tattoos already.
Also it is Australia Day next Monday. We are planning a day at Noosa. The fishing rods, surfboards, stand-up-paddle board and body boards will all be packed. Plus we will have a BBQ, lamingtons and ANZAC cookies. Yum. It is going to be 34 degrees, so we better takes heaps of ice and water and the sunscreen. I've bought the Aussie flag bunting, bandanas and temporary tattoos already.
99RidgewayGirl
I hope you have a wonderful Australia Day. It looks like fun! And I wouldn't mind a summer's day about now.
100Chrischi_HH
I really like your theme, reminds me of childhood. We used to play a lot when me and my sister were young, and even today the games are spread on the table, when the family comes together. Game of Life is an all time favourite. :)
Enjoy Australia Day, sounds lovely. Especially with the BBQ, here (in northern Germany) it's just grey and unpleasant.
Enjoy Australia Day, sounds lovely. Especially with the BBQ, here (in northern Germany) it's just grey and unpleasant.
101Roro8
>99 RidgewayGirl:, thanks. I'm sure we'll have heaps of fun
>100 Chrischi_HH:, sisters are the best for playing board games with in my opinion.
>100 Chrischi_HH:, sisters are the best for playing board games with in my opinion.
102Roro8
3. Trivial Pursuit
RTT and HistoryCAT
River God by Wilbur Smith
Book 1 in The Egyptian Novels
This book was lent to me by my Father-in-law who is a huge Wilbur Smith fan. I have read a few books by this author and I always enjoy them. This book was no exception. The story was interesting and I rather liked the characters. The only fault is that is was overly descriptive at times, making it a lengthy read. It is obvious that the author has a great interest in his subject matter.
The narrator, Taita, is a very intelligent slave owned by the Grand Vizier of Egypt. He has a central role in the household and is invaluable to his owner. He has also had the role of raising Lostris, the daughter of the house. Taita is very loyal to Lostris, so when she becomes his owner he is overjoyed.
Taita is involved in many complex political issues of the time. He is a master at everything and comes in very handy to Lostris in the challenges she faces through her life.
This is a book of adventure as well as an Egyptian saga, one that will continue in the next book in the series. No doubt my father-in-law will lend me that one when I hand this one back.
RTT and HistoryCAT
River God by Wilbur Smith
Book 1 in The Egyptian Novels
This book was lent to me by my Father-in-law who is a huge Wilbur Smith fan. I have read a few books by this author and I always enjoy them. This book was no exception. The story was interesting and I rather liked the characters. The only fault is that is was overly descriptive at times, making it a lengthy read. It is obvious that the author has a great interest in his subject matter.
The narrator, Taita, is a very intelligent slave owned by the Grand Vizier of Egypt. He has a central role in the household and is invaluable to his owner. He has also had the role of raising Lostris, the daughter of the house. Taita is very loyal to Lostris, so when she becomes his owner he is overjoyed.
Taita is involved in many complex political issues of the time. He is a master at everything and comes in very handy to Lostris in the challenges she faces through her life.
This is a book of adventure as well as an Egyptian saga, one that will continue in the next book in the series. No doubt my father-in-law will lend me that one when I hand this one back.
104Dejah_Thoris
>103 Roro8: Lol! Were you planning give up on starting new series? Think of it this way - they rarely publish more than one a year....
105mamzel
>102 Roro8: Unfortunately the second book takes us to present time and archeologists trying to trace Taita's footsteps. Suffer through it and pick up again with Taita in the third book. I recently read the fourth of the series and enjoyed it.
106Roro8
>104 Dejah_Thoris:, I was a bit funny there. For some reason I am usually a bit reluctant to start a new series, maybe because I feel like I am committing to reading a few books, not just one. Also, I already have so many series on the go already. Maybe if I read a couple of next books in my other series I'll feel better.
>105 mamzel:, thanks for the tip. Good info to know.
>105 mamzel:, thanks for the tip. Good info to know.
107Roro8
I just finished Leaving Time, Jodi Picoult's latest. Review coming soon, I need a bit of time to process this one.
108Roro8
4. Snakes and Ladders
AlphaKIT
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
This Book is about Alice and Jenna Metcalf, mother and daughter. Alice has spent her career studying grief behaviour of elephants. She meets Thomas who owns an elephant sanctuary in America. They develop a relationship which leads to the arrival of their daughter Jenna. But all is not well at the elephant sanctuary and one day there is a disaster and Alice disappears.
Ten years later, Jenna is 13, and feels ready to throw herself into searching for her mother. Whether she has been abandoned or worse, Jenna is determined to find out. She enlists the help of Serenity, a psychic, and Virgil, a washed out detective who is now a PI. The trio begin their search for Alice, each for their own reasons.
I was totally drawn into this book and had trouble putting it down. The characters were well done and I found that I could understand where they were coming from most of the time. A lot of Alice's chapters were about elephants and their behaviour. This reminded me a lot of one of Picoult's previous books Lone Wolf.
Overall, a good book, with an ending that I did not see coming.
AlphaKIT
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
This Book is about Alice and Jenna Metcalf, mother and daughter. Alice has spent her career studying grief behaviour of elephants. She meets Thomas who owns an elephant sanctuary in America. They develop a relationship which leads to the arrival of their daughter Jenna. But all is not well at the elephant sanctuary and one day there is a disaster and Alice disappears.
Ten years later, Jenna is 13, and feels ready to throw herself into searching for her mother. Whether she has been abandoned or worse, Jenna is determined to find out. She enlists the help of Serenity, a psychic, and Virgil, a washed out detective who is now a PI. The trio begin their search for Alice, each for their own reasons.
I was totally drawn into this book and had trouble putting it down. The characters were well done and I found that I could understand where they were coming from most of the time. A lot of Alice's chapters were about elephants and their behaviour. This reminded me a lot of one of Picoult's previous books Lone Wolf.
Overall, a good book, with an ending that I did not see coming.
109lkernagh
we will have a BBQ, lamingtons and ANZAC cookies. Yum.
Double Yum! I hope you had a wonderful Australia Day!
Double Yum! I hope you had a wonderful Australia Day!
110Roro8
>109 lkernagh:, Thanks Lori. We had a wonderful day. The rather was hot and sunny. We spent heaps of time in the water and had great Aussie food.
111RidgewayGirl
What is Aussie food? My SO wants to go to the single Australian restaurant in town, because they serve things like alligator and kangaroo and large steaks. I'm thinking of just telling him to save that for a night out with the guys.
112Roro8
>111 RidgewayGirl:, We had a BBQ, Lamingtons and Anzac cookies.
I often wondered if their were 'Australian' restaurants overseas. Crocodile and Kangaroo are mostly available is specific restaurants here too. Kangaroo mince is readily available mostly as pet food. I agree with you about it sounding like a guys night would be best for that venue. They could test it out, if it's good he could take you next time.
I often wondered if their were 'Australian' restaurants overseas. Crocodile and Kangaroo are mostly available is specific restaurants here too. Kangaroo mince is readily available mostly as pet food. I agree with you about it sounding like a guys night would be best for that venue. They could test it out, if it's good he could take you next time.
113Roro8
I finished reading The Empty Throne yesterday while waiting for the kids at karate. It is the 8th book in the series, which means I am currently up to date. It always gives me a feeling of satisfaction to be up to date with a series.
114Roro8
5. Risk
The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell
Book 8 in The Saxon Chronicles
This is the eighth book in the Saxon series by Bernard Cornwell. It follows on in much the same vein as the other books. Lots of action, battles etc. Uhtred is getting older and his son, Uhtred, is beginning to feature more in these novels, following in his father's footsteps.
In this book Uhtred senior is trying to recover from a wound incurred in the previous instalment in the series. Uhtred junior is at his side, as is his loyal man Finan. There are vikings entering the land which must be death with and the usual evil people vying for power. As well as Uhtred's ongoing conflict with the clergymen.
Overall a worthwhile addition to the series. If you like the others, there is no reason not to like this one.
The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell
Book 8 in The Saxon Chronicles
This is the eighth book in the Saxon series by Bernard Cornwell. It follows on in much the same vein as the other books. Lots of action, battles etc. Uhtred is getting older and his son, Uhtred, is beginning to feature more in these novels, following in his father's footsteps.
In this book Uhtred senior is trying to recover from a wound incurred in the previous instalment in the series. Uhtred junior is at his side, as is his loyal man Finan. There are vikings entering the land which must be death with and the usual evil people vying for power. As well as Uhtred's ongoing conflict with the clergymen.
Overall a worthwhile addition to the series. If you like the others, there is no reason not to like this one.
116RidgewayGirl
>115 Roro8: Now that's a fun idea!
117Roro8
>116 RidgewayGirl:, I tried it out last year. It certainly made it a lot easier to select my best book of the year.
118japaul22
I loved your "book of the month" idea last year, but I'm not sure I could pick just one book each month! Good for you, though.
119Dejah_Thoris
I've never really tried to pick a single favorite book for the month, much less the year! Maybe it's time I tried.
120DeltaQueen50
You have my admiration for being caught up in a series! That seems an impossible task for me.
121Roro8
>118 japaul22:, seeing as I only get through 5-6 books a month I only find it difficult occasionally. It would be much harder if I read more.
>119 Dejah_Thoris:, I think it's worth a try. Rating the books as I go makes it easier too.
>120 DeltaQueen50:, thanks Judy. Getting up to date with a series made me feel a bit better about the fact that I just started two new ones!
>119 Dejah_Thoris:, I think it's worth a try. Rating the books as I go makes it easier too.
>120 DeltaQueen50:, thanks Judy. Getting up to date with a series made me feel a bit better about the fact that I just started two new ones!
122mysterymax
>115 Roro8: Good to hear - it's on my TBR list and on the third stair going upstairs...
124luvamystery65
I usually make a comment of my favorite or two at the end of the month. It does help to pick a favorite of the year. I usually can't pick just one to save my life but last year I kept comparing all my favorites to my favorite from January, Out Stealing Horses. That was my winner.
I've just picked up Death of an Ordinary Man from the library.
I've just picked up Death of an Ordinary Man from the library.
125Roro8
>124 luvamystery65:, I might just have to put Out Stealing Horses on my book bullet list if it made your book of the year last year. Have you started Death of an Ordinary Man yet. I started two days ago. I'm up to page 100. It's a bit confusing at first but that's probably because Nathan (main character) is confused.
>122 mysterymax:, I hope you like it as much as I did. I have reserved the movie version from my library and I'm looking forward to watching it.
>123 hailelib:, I reckon that it would lead to me being hit by a lot more BB.
I have just finished my housework. Next we are going to the beach. After that my husband plans on watching cricket all afternoon, so it sounds like I'll get some reading time.
>122 mysterymax:, I hope you like it as much as I did. I have reserved the movie version from my library and I'm looking forward to watching it.
>123 hailelib:, I reckon that it would lead to me being hit by a lot more BB.
I have just finished my housework. Next we are going to the beach. After that my husband plans on watching cricket all afternoon, so it sounds like I'll get some reading time.
126casvelyn
I gave up on picking a book of the year in terms of what I read in a given year--too many good books. Instead, I choose a book of the year by year of original publication. So I have (or will have, someday,) 200+ books of the year covering each year from 1800 to the present. It sounds good in theory until you hit the 1920s and have Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Arthur Conan Doyle all publishing in one year. Same goes for the 2000s with Jasper Fforde, Laurie R. King, and J. K. Rowling. Good books run in threes or something.
127AHS-Wolfy
>115 Roro8: I don't read enough in a month for it being worthwhile to pick a favourite. Depending on how it goes I might do quarterly or half-year reviews instead.
>124 luvamystery65: Love to see some Glen Duncan getting picked up. Hope you enjoy it.
>124 luvamystery65: Love to see some Glen Duncan getting picked up. Hope you enjoy it.
128Roro8
>126 casvelyn:, that's an interesting way of tackling it. Then you will have casvelyn's top 200 books you must read :-)
>127 AHS-Wolfy:, at least it would be easier to pick your book of the year. It's not that long ago that I was happy if I managed to read one book in a year. Quarterly or half yearly picks sounds like a great idea.
>127 AHS-Wolfy:, at least it would be easier to pick your book of the year. It's not that long ago that I was happy if I managed to read one book in a year. Quarterly or half yearly picks sounds like a great idea.
129Roro8
6. Trivial Pursuit
AlphaKIT
Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion by Melanie Benjamin, Jenna Blum, Amanda Hodgkinson, Pam Jenoff, Sarah Jio, Sarah McCoy, Kristina McMorris, Alyson Richman, Erika Robuck and Karen White.
This book contains a wonderful collection of short stories by a group of well known historical fiction authors. The stories are all linked in that they all are partly set in Grand Central Station NYC on the same day, shortly after the end of WWII. There are small ways that the stories link together e.g., one story features a violinist playing in the station, in the next story it will be noticed that there was lovely violin music in the background.
I have only read one book of short stories before and they were all written by one author (Diana Gabaldon). This is the first collection of short stories I have ever read. I like the way the stories often had small links, showing that they were all at Grand Central on the same day. I had read a couple of the authors before but now I will be more likely to pick up a book written by the others.
My particular favourites were "The Reunion" by Kristina McMorris and "The Harvest Season' by Karen White.
AlphaKIT
Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion by Melanie Benjamin, Jenna Blum, Amanda Hodgkinson, Pam Jenoff, Sarah Jio, Sarah McCoy, Kristina McMorris, Alyson Richman, Erika Robuck and Karen White.
This book contains a wonderful collection of short stories by a group of well known historical fiction authors. The stories are all linked in that they all are partly set in Grand Central Station NYC on the same day, shortly after the end of WWII. There are small ways that the stories link together e.g., one story features a violinist playing in the station, in the next story it will be noticed that there was lovely violin music in the background.
I have only read one book of short stories before and they were all written by one author (Diana Gabaldon). This is the first collection of short stories I have ever read. I like the way the stories often had small links, showing that they were all at Grand Central on the same day. I had read a couple of the authors before but now I will be more likely to pick up a book written by the others.
My particular favourites were "The Reunion" by Kristina McMorris and "The Harvest Season' by Karen White.
130DeltaQueen50
This one is definitely going on my wishlist. Although not a huge fan of short stories, they have been growing on me lately and I particularly like collections that have various authors.
131Roro8
>130 DeltaQueen50:, I chose to read it after reading a great review by the Historical Novel Society team. I didn't read them all at once, maybe one every couple of days.
132luvamystery65
>127 AHS-Wolfy: I'm still early in Death of an Ordinary Man but I am enjoying it.
>129 Roro8: I love short story anthologies!
>129 Roro8: I love short story anthologies!
133Chrischi_HH
>129 Roro8: This sounds lovely! Although I haven't read many short stories in the past, this will go directly on the list. I like the idea of stories linked to each other in some way. :)
134Roro8
>132 luvamystery65:, I've just finished it and about to post my review.
>133 Chrischi_HH:, short stories are a fairly new thing for me too. Here is a link to the review that made me want to read Grand Central, just in case you need any more encouragement.
>133 Chrischi_HH:, short stories are a fairly new thing for me too. Here is a link to the review that made me want to read Grand Central, just in case you need any more encouragement.
135Roro8
7. Twister
Death of an Ordinary Man by Glen Duncan
I’ve read this book as a shared read with Roberta (luvamystery65). I am pretty sure we saw a review on somebody else’s thread and decided to give it a read together. It is not the type of book I would normally read, but I am aiming to challenge myself a bit this year.
Death of an Ordinary Man is the story of Nathan who finds himself present at his own funeral. He has to work out what has happened to him and why his daughter Lois isn’t there. What follows entails Nathan ‘lurking’ with his family members in the 24hrs following the funeral. He gets to hear their innermost thoughts and share the flashback memories they are experiencing. He has his own flashbacks as well. Through these shared memories and flashbacks he tries to piece together what has happened to his youngest daughter and how he ended up dead.
I have to admit that I really didn’t like any of the characters in this book which makes it hard to like the book itself. Nathan is a weak ‘yes’ man. His wife Cheryl is a self-absorbed woman, their daughter Gina is much like her mother. Luke, their son, has the potential to be a decent young man but then the author wrecks that by suggesting something really unnecessary. There was a significant focus on sex, not love scenes so much as thoughts of sex in various forms plus swearing that seemed over the top. So I read something out of my usual comfort zone but I can't say that I relished the experience.
Death of an Ordinary Man by Glen Duncan
I’ve read this book as a shared read with Roberta (luvamystery65). I am pretty sure we saw a review on somebody else’s thread and decided to give it a read together. It is not the type of book I would normally read, but I am aiming to challenge myself a bit this year.
Death of an Ordinary Man is the story of Nathan who finds himself present at his own funeral. He has to work out what has happened to him and why his daughter Lois isn’t there. What follows entails Nathan ‘lurking’ with his family members in the 24hrs following the funeral. He gets to hear their innermost thoughts and share the flashback memories they are experiencing. He has his own flashbacks as well. Through these shared memories and flashbacks he tries to piece together what has happened to his youngest daughter and how he ended up dead.
I have to admit that I really didn’t like any of the characters in this book which makes it hard to like the book itself. Nathan is a weak ‘yes’ man. His wife Cheryl is a self-absorbed woman, their daughter Gina is much like her mother. Luke, their son, has the potential to be a decent young man but then the author wrecks that by suggesting something really unnecessary. There was a significant focus on sex, not love scenes so much as thoughts of sex in various forms plus swearing that seemed over the top. So I read something out of my usual comfort zone but I can't say that I relished the experience.
136AHS-Wolfy
Oh durn! Happy to see Glen Duncan getting read (especially his non-werewolf series) but not so much when his books don't work for someone. Sorry you didn't enjoy :( Don't ever read Hope from the same author!
137luvamystery65
^^^NOT LOOKING until I finish the book. I'll be back. ;-)
I did see one star but I won't let that influence me.
I did see one star but I won't let that influence me.
139Roro8
>136 AHS-Wolfy:, Lucky for writers we all like different things. I'm glad you seem to like his work but I don't think I will be trying him out again.
>137 luvamystery65:, I'm looking forward to it.
>138 hailelib:, I thought so too.
I am currently reading Tiger Queens, its about the women in Ghengis Khan's life - fiction. So far I'm really enjoying it.
>137 luvamystery65:, I'm looking forward to it.
>138 hailelib:, I thought so too.
I am currently reading Tiger Queens, its about the women in Ghengis Khan's life - fiction. So far I'm really enjoying it.
140Roro8
8. Chinese Checkers
The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton
Most of us think of war and violence when we think of Genghis Khan. This book takes us into the life of this historical figure from a very young age, right through to well after his death. The story is told through four women, each one significant in 'The Golden Family'. Firstly there is Borte, betrothed to Temujin at young age. Then their daughter Alaqai takes over the story telling, followed by a Persian slave named Fatima. Finally Sorkhoktani, the mother of Kublai Khan finishes the tale.
This novel comes across as being well researched. The details of life as a Mongol are well drawn and the reactions of the women when they have to visit cities made of stone are interesting. Each of the women is strong in their own way. They each have very important roles to play in keeping the Mongol Empire together.
I didn't want to put this book down. The women's relationships with each other are very special. The way they managed their grief and the trials they had to face was beautifully done.
The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton
Most of us think of war and violence when we think of Genghis Khan. This book takes us into the life of this historical figure from a very young age, right through to well after his death. The story is told through four women, each one significant in 'The Golden Family'. Firstly there is Borte, betrothed to Temujin at young age. Then their daughter Alaqai takes over the story telling, followed by a Persian slave named Fatima. Finally Sorkhoktani, the mother of Kublai Khan finishes the tale.
This novel comes across as being well researched. The details of life as a Mongol are well drawn and the reactions of the women when they have to visit cities made of stone are interesting. Each of the women is strong in their own way. They each have very important roles to play in keeping the Mongol Empire together.
I didn't want to put this book down. The women's relationships with each other are very special. The way they managed their grief and the trials they had to face was beautifully done.
141Roro8
My next book is Sarah by Marek Halter. This book will fit the RTT theme of religion this month, which also happens to be the HistoryCAT theme.
142Roro8
9. Connect Four
Reading Through Time - Religion
Sarah by Marek Halter
Book 1 in the Canaan Trilogy
This is the first book in the Canaan trilogy, I read the second one Zipporah a couple of years ago. I was more familiar with the story of Zipporah, having watched Prince of Egypt with the kids many times. I was not as familiar with the story of Sarah, wife of Abraham.
This is one of those books that starts with Sarah as an old woman telling us her story and then goes to Sarah as a young woman. Sarah is the daughter of a lord, and has just had her first blood and is therefore of a marriageable age. Her father has selected a husband for her. Sarah is frightened and runs away, beginning the chain of events that leads her to Abram and all that follows.
I found this book quite easy to read. I enjoyed the story of Sarah as a young woman and the trials she has to face. She had a lot of inner strength but still had character flaws that made her seem down to earth and realistic.
Reading Through Time - Religion
Sarah by Marek Halter
Book 1 in the Canaan Trilogy
This is the first book in the Canaan trilogy, I read the second one Zipporah a couple of years ago. I was more familiar with the story of Zipporah, having watched Prince of Egypt with the kids many times. I was not as familiar with the story of Sarah, wife of Abraham.
This is one of those books that starts with Sarah as an old woman telling us her story and then goes to Sarah as a young woman. Sarah is the daughter of a lord, and has just had her first blood and is therefore of a marriageable age. Her father has selected a husband for her. Sarah is frightened and runs away, beginning the chain of events that leads her to Abram and all that follows.
I found this book quite easy to read. I enjoyed the story of Sarah as a young woman and the trials she has to face. She had a lot of inner strength but still had character flaws that made her seem down to earth and realistic.
143Roro8
I just read something quite ridiculous and had to share it. I am reading a book partially set in WWII and partially in more recent times. One character in 1940 says "TTFN" when leaving the farmhouse. I really don't think people said TTFN in the 1940's, please correct me if I'm wrong. It was very weird.
ETA: Ok, so I went and did some research and apparently Tigger from Winnie the Pooh says it, and some radio show in 1941 used it too. It still seemed out of context though.
ETA: Ok, so I went and did some research and apparently Tigger from Winnie the Pooh says it, and some radio show in 1941 used it too. It still seemed out of context though.
144VivienneR
>143 Roro8: Strange, but I associate TTFN with the past, and not with recent times. I think I heard it more when I was a kid than in later years.
145Roro8
>144 VivienneR:, interesting, I associate it with texting language.
146VivienneR
>145 Roro8: That indicates that I am a lot older than you :)
147Roro8
>146 VivienneR:, chuckle. I was a kid in the 70's and 80's, so there wasn't any mobile phones or texting then either. I can remember my Dad had a car phone, whenever somebody rang it, the car horn would go off to let you know the phone was ringing. Pretty funny when I think about that now.
148Roro8
10. Game of Life
AlphaKIT
The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine
This is a dual time period story. Both parts I really enjoyed. One part is set in WWII and the other in more recent times.
WWII: Evie Lucas is a young woman living on the farm in Sussex with her mother and father. Her brother Ralph is a pilot in the Air Force and he is posted at the nearby airfield, and therefore able to visit his family regularly. Evie has artistic ambitions. She is a talented artist, and with the help of Eddie, who she has known almost her whole life, she is starting to make some headway into the art world. Evie falls for one of the pilots at the local airfield, confusion and trouble follows.
Current times: Lucy Standish runs an art gallery with her husband Larry. They purchase a painting that they think has been painted by Evelyn Lucas, a self portrait with a handsome RAF pilot. This stirs up interest in the pair and Lucy decides she wants to write a biography about this artist, famous for her WWII work. Before she even begins her research disaster occurs and Lucy's world is turned upside down. She immerses herself in the research for the biography and finds a lot more than she bargains for.
Both time periods are equally absorbing. I wanted to know what was going to happen with each of them. If I was completely honest, I found Evie's story most compelling. There was so much happening in the story that I felt there was never a dull moment. Quite engrossing.
AlphaKIT
The Darkest Hour by Barbara Erskine
This is a dual time period story. Both parts I really enjoyed. One part is set in WWII and the other in more recent times.
WWII: Evie Lucas is a young woman living on the farm in Sussex with her mother and father. Her brother Ralph is a pilot in the Air Force and he is posted at the nearby airfield, and therefore able to visit his family regularly. Evie has artistic ambitions. She is a talented artist, and with the help of Eddie, who she has known almost her whole life, she is starting to make some headway into the art world. Evie falls for one of the pilots at the local airfield, confusion and trouble follows.
Current times: Lucy Standish runs an art gallery with her husband Larry. They purchase a painting that they think has been painted by Evelyn Lucas, a self portrait with a handsome RAF pilot. This stirs up interest in the pair and Lucy decides she wants to write a biography about this artist, famous for her WWII work. Before she even begins her research disaster occurs and Lucy's world is turned upside down. She immerses herself in the research for the biography and finds a lot more than she bargains for.
Both time periods are equally absorbing. I wanted to know what was going to happen with each of them. If I was completely honest, I found Evie's story most compelling. There was so much happening in the story that I felt there was never a dull moment. Quite engrossing.
149Chrischi_HH
>148 Roro8: You're shooting with BBs again. ;)
150Roro8
>149 Chrischi_HH:, it can be pretty dangerous around here.
151christina_reads
>148 Roro8: Ugh, yeah, that BB may have hit me too!
152Roro8
>151 christina_reads:, those BB's are flying all over the place at the moment. I just read a book that was a BB from you, The Collected Works of A J Fikry. I thought it was great! I'll attempt to write a worthy review of it very soon. So thanks for hitting me with a good one.
153christina_reads
>152 Roro8: I guess it's nice to know that we're both going down in a hail of book bullets!
154Roro8
11. Battleship
AlphaKIT year-long
The Collected Works of A J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is the story of A J Fikry, bookstore owner in a small coastal town. He has been a widower for 2 years and is a lonely and grumpy man, old before his time. While passed out one night something very valuable is stolen from him which brings about changes in his life. First he starts to snap out of his depression and then a baby is left in the bookstore one day. What is A J going to do with a baby?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fantastic.
AlphaKIT year-long
The Collected Works of A J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is the story of A J Fikry, bookstore owner in a small coastal town. He has been a widower for 2 years and is a lonely and grumpy man, old before his time. While passed out one night something very valuable is stolen from him which brings about changes in his life. First he starts to snap out of his depression and then a baby is left in the bookstore one day. What is A J going to do with a baby?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fantastic.
155Roro8
I gave up on reading A Parliament of Spies by Cassandra Clark. It is the fourth book in her historical mystery series. I wasn't enjoying it so I put it down. Seeing as I am counting pages this year I will count the 106 pages that I read.
156Dejah_Thoris
>148 Roro8: I may have to give that one a try!
157Roro8
>156 Dejah_Thoris:, it is the first book I have read by Barbara Erskine and I'm glad I liked it as I have two more of her books sitting on my bookshelf. Have you read any of her others?
158Dejah_Thoris
>157 Roro8: I don't think I have, although I've certainly heard of her. I'm looking forward to giving her a try - and to learning what you think of her other books.
159Roro8
12. Jenga
Already Dead by Jaye Ford
This book was in impulse buy. I liked the cover and I felt like reading a bit of a thriller. While not being super suspenseful the whole time, the mystery in this book was good and the action at the beginning and near the end gave the book the lift it needed.
Miranda Jack (aka Jax) is a former journalist coming to terms with the loss of her husband 12 months ago. She is in the process of moving from Sydney to Newcastle when she is carjacked by Brendan Walsh, former army officer who has served in Afghanistan, who seems to be a having a mental health crisis. This scenario does not end well and leaves Jax with a million questions that she feels must be answered to enable her to deal with this situation. What possessed Brendan to behave this way? Is she still in danger?
This was a good mystery by an author that is new to me.
Already Dead by Jaye Ford
This book was in impulse buy. I liked the cover and I felt like reading a bit of a thriller. While not being super suspenseful the whole time, the mystery in this book was good and the action at the beginning and near the end gave the book the lift it needed.
Miranda Jack (aka Jax) is a former journalist coming to terms with the loss of her husband 12 months ago. She is in the process of moving from Sydney to Newcastle when she is carjacked by Brendan Walsh, former army officer who has served in Afghanistan, who seems to be a having a mental health crisis. This scenario does not end well and leaves Jax with a million questions that she feels must be answered to enable her to deal with this situation. What possessed Brendan to behave this way? Is she still in danger?
This was a good mystery by an author that is new to me.
160Roro8
JanuaryThe 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
FebruaryThe Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton
161DeltaQueen50
Hi Ro, I am glad to see The Tiger Queens as your book of the month, as when I saw your review I added to my wishlist.
162Roro8
>161 DeltaQueen50:, I think you'd like it Judy.
163RidgewayGirl
I like your book of the month list!
164Roro8
>163 RidgewayGirl:, thanks. I like picking a favourite for the month. They do it at one of my local book shops and I started thinking about what I would pick each month if I was asked. Not only that, it helps to pick my favourite book of the year when December rolls around.
We are having chook dilemmas at the moment. Last year we got three chickens and they were going along really well. Just a few weeks ago, the neighbour's dog got out and killed one of our chooks. So this week we decided to get two new ones. Needless to say, the original two chickens are being bullies. I hope it doesn't last too much longer and they can learn to be friends.
We are having chook dilemmas at the moment. Last year we got three chickens and they were going along really well. Just a few weeks ago, the neighbour's dog got out and killed one of our chooks. So this week we decided to get two new ones. Needless to say, the original two chickens are being bullies. I hope it doesn't last too much longer and they can learn to be friends.
166Roro8
>165 mamzel:, they can be very funny. We all think it is so funny when they come running when we call them.
167mamzel
You don't even have to call them once they associate you with food! I pretend I am their queen and my subjects rush to receive my bounty.
168Roro8
>167 mamzel:, that is true. These chooks will come even if there is no food for them. The kids pick them up and pat them and talk to them. They love it. The two older chooks are being less mean to the two new ones. They are not friends yet though. So you have any tips for me that might help them to get along better?
169mamzel
I haven't found a way as yet. We have one Americauna (the ones that lay green eggs) that was always smaller than the others we bought at the same time and she was picked on terribly. When the biggest bullies succumbed to age things improved but didn't completely disappear. When I come out and strew some food I put some out in a separate area for her and stand between them so she can eat in peace.
171MissWatson
Belated Happy Thingaversary!
174mamzel
Happy Thingaversary to you,
Happy Thingaversary to you,
Happy Thingaversary to Roro,
Happy Thingaversary to you.
Happy Thingaversary to you,
Happy Thingaversary to Roro,
Happy Thingaversary to you.
175RidgewayGirl
Happy Thingversary! You're now legally entitled to four books and one to grow on, should you feel so inclined.
176christina_reads
Happy Thingaversary! You should March Fo(u)rth to buy new books! Get it? GET IT? ;)
177DeltaQueen50
Happy Thinaversary, Ro!
178rabbitprincess
Happy Thingaversary! Looking forward to hearing what books you get ;)
180Roro8
Thanks for the thingaversay wishes my LT friends.
>176 christina_reads:, I love your joke. I actually laughed out loud. Very witty.
So now I have an excuse to get my hands on five new books, according to the LT tradition.
>176 christina_reads:, I love your joke. I actually laughed out loud. Very witty.
So now I have an excuse to get my hands on five new books, according to the LT tradition.
182Roro8
I have finally finished my first book for March, The Last Dragon, to be honest it was so good I didn't really want it to end. Review coming soon, hopefully tomorrow.
183Roro8
13. Snakes and Ladders
Reading Through Time: 1-1000
AlphaKIT
The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
Book 1 of Twilight of the Celts
This is the first book In M K Hume's Twilight of the Celts trilogy. King Artor is dead. All the men of the Arthurian legend are either dead or getting old. So there are not that many people around who would recognise that Arthur is the illegitimate child of the famous and much loved King Artor of Hume's earlier novels. Arthur is being raised in a loving family by his mother Elayne and "father" Bedwyr, the Arden Knife.
The story begins with Arthur as a boy, his life in the Arden Forrest, his training, and his life with his tutors. Throughout the course of the novel Arthur grows up. He learns some very hard lessons. He meets his extended family and deals with their mixed reactions to his parentage. He bonds with other young men his age, and makes a lifelong enemy. He rises to many challenges. And he is totally loveable. There is heaps of action ahead for this young man.
I have read Hume's King Arthur books and her Merlin books. She is a wonderful writer. I really enjoyed this novel. Maybe even more than the others. The second book is on my shelf and will be picked up very soon. I am looking forward to see what happens to Arthur next.
Reading Through Time: 1-1000
AlphaKIT
The Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
Book 1 of Twilight of the Celts
This is the first book In M K Hume's Twilight of the Celts trilogy. King Artor is dead. All the men of the Arthurian legend are either dead or getting old. So there are not that many people around who would recognise that Arthur is the illegitimate child of the famous and much loved King Artor of Hume's earlier novels. Arthur is being raised in a loving family by his mother Elayne and "father" Bedwyr, the Arden Knife.
The story begins with Arthur as a boy, his life in the Arden Forrest, his training, and his life with his tutors. Throughout the course of the novel Arthur grows up. He learns some very hard lessons. He meets his extended family and deals with their mixed reactions to his parentage. He bonds with other young men his age, and makes a lifelong enemy. He rises to many challenges. And he is totally loveable. There is heaps of action ahead for this young man.
I have read Hume's King Arthur books and her Merlin books. She is a wonderful writer. I really enjoyed this novel. Maybe even more than the others. The second book is on my shelf and will be picked up very soon. I am looking forward to see what happens to Arthur next.
184Roro8
I am so pleased, I just found out on another thread that Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Chronicles, starting with The Last Kingdom, is being made into a TV series by the BBC. There is no doubt that I will be watching that. As this is one of the few books that my husband has read, he will enjoy watching it too.
185luvamystery65
Happy Thingavesary Ro!
186staci426
Happy Thingaversary!
The Last Dragon sounds like something I would enjoy. Is it a continuation of her King Arthur and Merlin series? Would you reccomend reading those first?
Interesting to hear about the Saxon Chronicles. I've been enjoying that series and will also enjoyed a show. I'm hoping to get to Sword Song this month for the HistoryCAT.
The Last Dragon sounds like something I would enjoy. Is it a continuation of her King Arthur and Merlin series? Would you reccomend reading those first?
Interesting to hear about the Saxon Chronicles. I've been enjoying that series and will also enjoyed a show. I'm hoping to get to Sword Song this month for the HistoryCAT.
187Roro8
>185 luvamystery65: and >186 staci426:, thanks for the thingaversary wishes.
I would think you could read The Last Dragon without having read the others, even though it does continue on from a short while after the 3rd King Arthur book. A lot of characters do carry over, but their relationships are explained sufficiently The Merlin and King Arthur series are both fantastic though, so well worth reading. Over here the Arthur books were released first and then the Merlin books as that is the order she wrote them. In the US they decided to release the Merlin books first, as that is chronological. I'm not sure about n the UK.
I would think you could read The Last Dragon without having read the others, even though it does continue on from a short while after the 3rd King Arthur book. A lot of characters do carry over, but their relationships are explained sufficiently The Merlin and King Arthur series are both fantastic though, so well worth reading. Over here the Arthur books were released first and then the Merlin books as that is the order she wrote them. In the US they decided to release the Merlin books first, as that is chronological. I'm not sure about n the UK.
188Chrischi_HH
>187 Roro8: Thanks for the extra information. I have now added the first Merlin book to my wishlist. :)
189MissWatson
>187 Roro8: I'll take a book bullet for the Merlin books, too.
190Roro8
>188 Chrischi_HH: and >189 MissWatson:, they are such good books, I am pretty confident that you will like them.
I have been totally flogged at work this week. This has resulted in me falling asleep on the couch at ridiculously early hours (8pm) resulting in very little reading. I have made a start on The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield. I'm sure the fact that I have four days off starting tomorrow will help my progress.
I have been totally flogged at work this week. This has resulted in me falling asleep on the couch at ridiculously early hours (8pm) resulting in very little reading. I have made a start on The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield. I'm sure the fact that I have four days off starting tomorrow will help my progress.
191Roro8
14. Risk
Reading Through Time Quarterly - WWI
The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield
The Bensons are a wealthy London family about to celebrate the society wedding of Irene Benson to an idealistic young German architect Thomas Curtius (pre WWI). Irene is a developing artist. She moves to Germany to be with her husband. A few short years later war is imminent and Irene must decide whether to stay in Germany with her husband or flee to her family before it is too late. She does her duty and stays in Germany, where life is very difficult for an Englishwoman.
This is not just the story of Irene. Her brother Mark and sister Sofia also feature in a large way in the book. Mark works as a diplomat throughout the war. This entails him travelling around, playing nice with people in foreign countries. He also makes some interesting friends.
Sofia is my favourite character. She is young and beautiful and in order to do her bit for her country she becomes a nurse during the war. She is assigned duty caring for the wounded enemy. Sofia is a complex character and has some very definite ideas.
This was quite a good book. It does jump around a lot. There is a lot of German conversation in some parts of the book with no glossary for guidance. I found this a bit frustrating. I just had a bit of a guess about what was happening. There are also a lot of characters which took me a while to get straight, but once I sorted out who was connected to who and how it was much better reading.
Reading Through Time Quarterly - WWI
The Iron Necklace by Giles Waterfield
The Bensons are a wealthy London family about to celebrate the society wedding of Irene Benson to an idealistic young German architect Thomas Curtius (pre WWI). Irene is a developing artist. She moves to Germany to be with her husband. A few short years later war is imminent and Irene must decide whether to stay in Germany with her husband or flee to her family before it is too late. She does her duty and stays in Germany, where life is very difficult for an Englishwoman.
This is not just the story of Irene. Her brother Mark and sister Sofia also feature in a large way in the book. Mark works as a diplomat throughout the war. This entails him travelling around, playing nice with people in foreign countries. He also makes some interesting friends.
Sofia is my favourite character. She is young and beautiful and in order to do her bit for her country she becomes a nurse during the war. She is assigned duty caring for the wounded enemy. Sofia is a complex character and has some very definite ideas.
This was quite a good book. It does jump around a lot. There is a lot of German conversation in some parts of the book with no glossary for guidance. I found this a bit frustrating. I just had a bit of a guess about what was happening. There are also a lot of characters which took me a while to get straight, but once I sorted out who was connected to who and how it was much better reading.
192Chrischi_HH
>191 Roro8: Thanks for another BB... ;)
193Roro8
>191 Roro8:, you are most welcome.
194Roro8
I just finished the second book in the Twilight of the Celts trilogy, review coming soon. My next read will be The Martian for this month's randomCAT.
195Roro8
15. Connect Four
Reading Through Time: 1-1000
AlphaKIT
The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
Book 2 of Twilight of the Celts
This is the second book In M K Hume's Twilight of the Celts trilogy. Arthur has been captured by a Dene lord, Stormbringer, and is being taken to his captor's homeland. His friend Eamonn, his younger sister Maeve and Eamonn's sister Blaise have also been captured. They need to impress the Dene King in order to stay alive. However, being young and a bit impetuous, Arthur fails to make the impression he desires. Now the four captured Britons must face the consequences.
Meanwhile, young Gareth, who has sworn to protect Arthur has returned to Arthur's family to inform them of the tragedy that has occurred. He has sworn to find Arthur and bring him home. Helping him with this task whether he likes it or not are Arthur's two tutors, Father Lorcan and Germanus (arms master). They embark on an epic journey.
There is constant action in this exciting instalment in the trilogy. New friends and enemies are made. I love the portrayal of the Dene. The politics of the time in those lands is a bit complex but this doesn't hamper the story. I am looking forward to reading the final instalment (which was released recently and is sitting on my bookshelf). Another great book by this author, and I hope she writes plenty more.
Reading Through Time: 1-1000
AlphaKIT
The Storm Lord: Twilight of the Celts by M K Hume
Book 2 of Twilight of the Celts
This is the second book In M K Hume's Twilight of the Celts trilogy. Arthur has been captured by a Dene lord, Stormbringer, and is being taken to his captor's homeland. His friend Eamonn, his younger sister Maeve and Eamonn's sister Blaise have also been captured. They need to impress the Dene King in order to stay alive. However, being young and a bit impetuous, Arthur fails to make the impression he desires. Now the four captured Britons must face the consequences.
Meanwhile, young Gareth, who has sworn to protect Arthur has returned to Arthur's family to inform them of the tragedy that has occurred. He has sworn to find Arthur and bring him home. Helping him with this task whether he likes it or not are Arthur's two tutors, Father Lorcan and Germanus (arms master). They embark on an epic journey.
There is constant action in this exciting instalment in the trilogy. New friends and enemies are made. I love the portrayal of the Dene. The politics of the time in those lands is a bit complex but this doesn't hamper the story. I am looking forward to reading the final instalment (which was released recently and is sitting on my bookshelf). Another great book by this author, and I hope she writes plenty more.
196Roro8
I started The Martian, read about 50 pages, and decided it isn't for me.
I am now reading The Ice Twins by S K Tremain, a mystery/thriller.
I am now reading The Ice Twins by S K Tremain, a mystery/thriller.
197lkernagh
I started The Martian, read about 50 pages, and decided it isn't for me.
You abandoned The Martian..... but..... but.....
*shuffles off to a corner to curl up in the fetal position*
You abandoned The Martian..... but..... but.....
*shuffles off to a corner to curl up in the fetal position*
198Roro8
>197 lkernagh:, lots of people here have really liked it. It was a bit of a stretch for me in the first place as I really don't read sci fi. I thought I could do it but didn't think I could face much more reading about him making dirt to grow potatoes that wouldn't be enough to keep him alive for four years.
199mamzel
(following lori's lead) But it's growing potatoes on MARS!!!!
Though I did have to question why they would waste precious payload on real potatoes and duct tape.
Though I did have to question why they would waste precious payload on real potatoes and duct tape.
200Roro8
>199 mamzel:, lol. Apparently they had real potatoes for a treat for thanksgiving.
202rabbitprincess
>200 Roro8: That made sense to me. A few creature comforts wouldn't go amiss on a spaceship.
I'm sorry to hear you abandoned The Martian but hope that The Ice Twins proves enjoyable!
I'm sorry to hear you abandoned The Martian but hope that The Ice Twins proves enjoyable!
203Roro8
>202 rabbitprincess:, very true rabbitprincess. I gave it a shot. The Ice Twins is proving to be a good read. I'm about two thirds in and it is getting difficult to put down now.
205Roro8
16. Snakes and Ladders
The Ice Twins by S K Tremayne
Sarah and Angus Moorcroft are the parents of identical twin girls Kirstie and Lydia. The twins are absolutely identical in appearance, only their personalities enable them to be differentiated from each other. When a tragic accident occurs and one of the twins dies, Sarah follows the lead of her remaining daughter in identifying the dead twin as Lydia. The grief is overwhelming for Sarah and her family. In order to make a fresh start they move to as island Angus has inherited just off Skye.
The place is dilapidated and needs a lot of work. Kirstie is enrolled in the local school. It is after this move that Kirstie tells her mother that she is Lydia, and that it was Kirstie who was killed in the accident. Sarah believes her. She is distraught with worry over her daughter, her relationship with her husband is strained. Then Lydia says that Kirstie is with her all the time. She has trouble at school. The whole situation begins to escalate.
The Ice Twins is a very dramatic story. Once I was half way in I was struggling to put it down. I really couldn’t tell who was the ‘bad guy’. I really felt sorry for this family, reading this was kind of like watching a train wreck, lots of bad stuff happening that just holds the attention of the onlooker.
The Ice Twins by S K Tremayne
Sarah and Angus Moorcroft are the parents of identical twin girls Kirstie and Lydia. The twins are absolutely identical in appearance, only their personalities enable them to be differentiated from each other. When a tragic accident occurs and one of the twins dies, Sarah follows the lead of her remaining daughter in identifying the dead twin as Lydia. The grief is overwhelming for Sarah and her family. In order to make a fresh start they move to as island Angus has inherited just off Skye.
The place is dilapidated and needs a lot of work. Kirstie is enrolled in the local school. It is after this move that Kirstie tells her mother that she is Lydia, and that it was Kirstie who was killed in the accident. Sarah believes her. She is distraught with worry over her daughter, her relationship with her husband is strained. Then Lydia says that Kirstie is with her all the time. She has trouble at school. The whole situation begins to escalate.
The Ice Twins is a very dramatic story. Once I was half way in I was struggling to put it down. I really couldn’t tell who was the ‘bad guy’. I really felt sorry for this family, reading this was kind of like watching a train wreck, lots of bad stuff happening that just holds the attention of the onlooker.
206Chrischi_HH
>205 Roro8: This sounds like a good read. BB taken.
207Roro8
>206 Chrischi_HH:, I hope you like it when you get to it.
208Roro8
JanuaryThe 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
FebruaryThe Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton
MarchThe Last Dragon: Twilight of the Celts book 1 by M K Hume
This topic was continued by Roro's Reading Games, round 2.
