The Challenge Factory discussion

Just a heads up-Tamie-Lee got back to me(thanks so much Tamie-Lee!!!!) and will have a book done before the deadline and hopefully get some sleep too :)

COMPLETION Post (Week 2)
Roll 1: Spot 11

Title: All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells
Qualification: Book #1 of a series
Pages: 156 pages
Read: 9/27
Rating & Review: ****

I really enjoyed this and now I have to find the rest of the series so I can find out where Murderbot ends up!
So this is about a droid who is programmed to serve, as they usually are, but hacks his own programming to become a free agent. Gaining such lovely things as feelings, self awareness, free will, and social anxiety in the process. He doesn't have a name, but he calls himself "Murderbot."
This book follows his interactions and budding relationships with the group of humans he was assigned to, while the mission they're on goes completely south. Surprisingly the humans (although understandably distrustful) didn't immediately try to end him when they realized his sentience, which was a pleasant surprise. I'm a bit of a nihilist in regards to how I expect human beings to react in situations like these - with violence and murder, (Oh no something/someone is making me nervous, I better kill/destroy it!) and that is generally how we're written in fiction too, so it was nice to have some kinder, more likeable people for once.
The ending was a little bittersweet, it could have been a happily ever after and the series would have ended there. But Murderbot still has all of that complex human stuff (Like emotions and dreams) to work out, and I for one look forward to seeing where this goes and who he ends up becoming.

lol we both posted at the same time. heads up fail on my part. I LOVE murderbot!! I hope you enjoyed it. off to roll :)

Week 2 Roll 2 (Sunday)
Roll: 5
New Spot: 16
Previous Spot:11

Total Bonus points earned: 1
Bonus points this week: 0
Bonus points used: 0

Reviews:
Denise The Faithful Spy
Tamie-lee Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Othehr Deadly Magic
Ezinwanyi Slow Dance in Purgatory
SuzanneCrime and Poetry

SELECTION POST
Spot: 16

Book: The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #1
Pages: 352

SELECTION POST
Spot: 16

Book: Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Qualification: Dowser #1
Pages: 264p

SELECTION Post (Week 2)
Roll 2: Spot 16

Title: Slow Dance in Purgatory by Amy Harmon
Qualification: Book 1, Purgatory
Pages: 232 pages

Completion Post: Week 2 Roll 2 (Sunday)
Spot: 16


Book: Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower

How it fits: #1 in A Magical Bookshop Mystery
Pages: 364
Finished: 9/28/20
Rating: 4 stars

Review: I probably have a different level of expectation with cozy mysteries than with other genres - I want characters and side characters I like, a cute set-up, and decisions that aren't totally stupid. This met those expectations - Violet returns home to Cascade Springs after years away, because she thinks her grandmother is dying. She learns more about the family bookshop and the town. I must say, I'd really love to shop there! :) Meanwhile, a nice elderly man is killed, and is found clutching one of the books from the shop. It was a fun setup, and I'm intending to read more in the series. However, I'm dreading a love triangle - all indications are that there will be one.

COMPLETION Post (Week 2)
Roll 2: Spot 16

Title: Slow Dance in Purgatory by Amy Harmon
Qualification: Book 1, Purgatory
Pages: 232 pages
Read: 9/28
Rating & Review: 3-stars
I love Amy Harmon so I was curious about this book. She is such a great writer so I wanted to see what she did with what I had heard was a ghost story.

The story starts with a high school girl Maggie who is living with her grand aunt after years of bouncing from foster home to foster home. At her school, Maggie sees a ghost named Johnny, whom she later learns has been missing since 1958. Maggie strikes up a friendship with Johnny the Ghost and their feelings later grow.

I don't want to give the story away but the author took her time laying the groundwork for a cute romance. They are both good kids and the story about what happened to Johnny and his brother was sad. I do find romances with ghosts a bit problematic but if you are willing to suspend belief and enjoy, you will like this one.

I love Amy Harmon too - so I'm glad you read and reviewed this!

COMPLETION Post (Week 2)
Roll 2: Spot 16

Title: Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
Qualification: Book 1, Dowser
Pages: 232 pages
Read: 9/29
Rating & Review: 4/5
This was a really enjoyable and fun read.
I found the MC to be quite likeable and relatable, her sister rubbed me the wrong way from day one though with the way she treats and talks to the MC.
The other characters were interesting, although I think more was written about their "perfect chests" than their personalities, but that could make sense with the writing being from the MCs perspective - I guess she's just a sucker for muscly chests.
The plot is nothing particularly special, and it was a little predictable, but still a fun ride nevertheless.

Suzanne wrote: "I love Amy Harmon too - so I'm glad you read and reviewed this!"

She is one of my absolute favorites

Week 2: Roll 2
Spot: 16

Book: The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #1
Pages: 352
Finished: 30 Sep 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
I'm always on the lookout for a new spy thriller series to sink my teeth into, and this one's been on my radar for quite a while. Introducing John Wells, a deep cover CIA operative whose loyalties are under suspicion when he makes contact with his handler for the first time in years under dubious circumstances, this was a pretty good debut novel that managed to eschew some, though not all the usual clichés of the genre. The plot came with more than enough twists and action to keep me interested. I could have done without the obligatory romance subplot, and the ending felt somewhat abrupt, but otherwise this was a decent series opener. I'll be back for more.

Week 3 Roll 1 (Thursday)
Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 16
New Spot: 21

Task: Standalone
#1 in series
#2 in series
#21 in series

Alternate: 21. Animal on cover

Total Bonus points earned: 1
Bonus points this week: 0
Bonus points used: 0

Reviews:
Denise The Prince's Dragon
Ezinwanyi Still
Tamie-Lee Ella Enchanted
Suzanne The Silent Patient

Argh my computer has crashed twice before I could post out spot. hopefully it's ok if I just post it tomorrow. the reviews are linked. I was so close!

It's fine, no worries. :)

SELECTION POST
Spot: 21

Book: The Prince's Dragon by W.M. Fawkes & Sam Burns
Qualification: Fire and Valor #2
Pages: 351

SELECTION Post (Week 3)
Roll 1: Spot 21

Title: Still by Kennedy Ryan
Qualification: Grip, Book 2
Pages: 394 pages

SELECTION Post (Week 3)
Roll 1: Spot 21

Title: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Qualification: Ella Enchanted #1
Pages: 232

Week 3: Roll 1
Spot: 21

Book: The Prince's Dragon by W.M. Fawkes & Sam Burns
Qualification: Fire and Valor #2
Pages: 351
Finished: 01 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
Loved this even more than the first one. Now that I'm familiar with the characters, the back and forth between so many different POVs didn't bother me at all, and each single character's part of the plot had me hooked. While I love all the romances in various stages of development in this series (Yay for Rhiannon and Sidonie getting some... alone time, shall we say?), I also love that those are only a small part of the overarching epic fantasy plot with all its political intrigue, backstabbing, battling, unexpected alliances and whatnot stuffed into these books. Between all that and the very evil cliffhanger this book left us with, I can't wait to see what the conclusion of this trilogy has in store!

Selection Post -Week 3 Roll 1

Spot: 21

Book: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Qualification Stand alone
Pages: 325

COMPLETION Post (Week 3)
Roll 1: Spot 21

Title: Still by Kennedy Ryan
Qualification: Grip, Book 2
Pages: 394 pages
Read: 10/2
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kennedy Ryan is a master at blending love with very heavy hitting topics but keeping you completely engaged as she delivers an epic romance.

We continue the journey of Bristol and Marlon “Grip” as they have settled into coupledom. The great thing about this book is that you NEVER question their love for each other. The only issue is when everyone else will cut them some slack and let them be.

Interracial relationships are a touchy issue for some people and I’m glad that the author didn’t brush off the complexity of it with some “love is all that matters” cliche.
Bris and Grip has to defend their relationship over and over but they were always All In with each other.

They faced some painful things but they also experienced some aerial blessings. This book was an honest take on a truly loving union. Bravo Kennedy Ryan.

Completion Post -Week 3 Roll 1

Spot: 21

Book: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Qualification Stand alone
Pages: 325

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Ok - attempting to write this review again :) I love computers when they work, but....
And this book worked - I can see why it was the Goodreads Winner last year. A woman kills her husband, attempts suicide, and then won't speak at all. Her therapist investigates and tries to get her to open up about what happened. In some ways, that seems like a plot that has been done before, but this kept me interested and turning pages. It wasn't my favorite thriller ever, but it was good, and a fast read! I didn't absolutely love any of the characters, but I was sure curious to see what happened.

COMPLETION Post (Week 3)
Roll 1: Spot 21

Title: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Qualification: Ella Enchanted #1
Pages: 232 pages
Read: 10/3
Rating & Review: ****
I've always had a soft spot for Cinderella retellings and this did not disappoint.
There were some fun additions to the story, like the giants, ogres and centaurs. The giants were so lovely, the ogre persuasion was new and different, and it was an interesting take on the centaurs although I do think they should be smarter given they have a human brain...
The stepsisters and stepmother were about as horrible as I would expect for this story, I hated them.
Prince Char was a fun and really likeable character. But Mandy (the fairy godmother) was definitely my favourite.

It's been awhile since I read Ella Enchanted, but I remember loving it! I'm glad you reminded me it exists!

Week 3 Roll 2 (Sunday)
Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 21
New Spot: 26

Task:
#2 in series
#6 in series
#26 in series

Alternate: 26. Non-fiction

Total Bonus points earned: 1
Bonus points this week: 0
Bonus points used: 0

Reviews: Denise The Ghost War
Ezinwanyi Surviving the Break
Tamie-Lee Wild Hunt
SuzanneProse and Cons

SELECTION Post (Week 3)
Roll 2: Spot 26

Title: Surviving the Break by C.P. Harris
Qualification: Chadwick Series, Book 2
Pages: 294 pages

SELECTION POST
Spot: 26

Book: The Ghost War by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #2
Pages: 406

SELECTION Post (Week 3)
Roll 2: Spot 26

Title: Wild Hunt by River Ramsey
Qualification: Academy of the Gods #2
Pages: 163 pages

Selection Post (Week 3)
Roll 2: Spot 26

Book: Prose and Cons by Amanda Flower
Qualification: A Magical Bookshop Mystery #2
Pages: 323

Week 3: Roll 2
Spot: 26

Book: The Ghost War by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #2
Pages: 406
Finished: 04 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
At loose ends after returning from years undercover and preventing a terror attack, John Wells is trying to figure out what to do with himself when a new threat gives him something to focus on. A power struggle in China with global consequences and a mole within the CIA keep his team busy, sending Wells on a high risk mission that may be the only way to prevent a war.

A solid second entry in this thriller series, still containing its share of clichées, but a pretty good read nonetheless. At least the protagonist's love interest in these books isn't as annoying and useless as they typically tend to be in books of this genre, and the romance remains mostly in the background. Hopefully that'll stay that way.

I'll have my review in tonight (8am here atm, so in 6-8 hours), my landlord's coming to do a house inspection today so I've been really busy. Have finished reading my book, but won't have time to write my review until after he's been and gone.

Thanks Tamie-lee - that sounds stressful to me (getting the house inspected). I hope all went well, and I appreciate the update.

Completion Post (Week 3)
Roll 2: Spot 26

Book: Prose and Cons by Amanda Flower
Qualification: A Magical Bookshop Mystery #2
Pages: 323
Date Read: 10/6/20
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I'm still liking this series (after 2 whole books). At least mostly - there is a love triangle which I HATE but luckily it's not a major part of the story. The setting is my favorite part - Cascade Springs has some great characters that I enjoy. In this book, one of the writers group falls down the stairs at a poetry reading and foul play is suspected. The Magical bookstore of course tries to help solve the case. I love the bookstore, "where the right book finds you" - it's built around a magical tree, and the descriptions make me want to visit. I thought the mystery was good, and I think I'll continue with (and finish) the series.

Completion Post (Week 3)
Roll 2: Spot 26

Book: Wild Hunt by River Ramsey
Qualification: Academy of the Gods #2
Pages: 163
Date Read: Oct 6
Rating: ****
Review:
I enjoyed this more than the first book. The characters are getting more development now and things are starting to get interesting.
I still don't like Kore/Persephone much, although I'm starting to empathize with her a little more. Hades sucks, and Fenrir isn't much better. Honestly I think Dionysus is the only character I actually like, although I might be starting to develop a soft spot for Loki. But the character development is enough that I can begin to understand the motivations behind the other characters, even if I don't like them.

COMPLETION Post (Week 3)
Roll 2: Spot 26

Title: Surviving the Break by C.P. Harris
Qualification: Chadwick Series, Book 2
Pages: 294 pages
Read: 10/6
Rating & Review: 4-stars
C.P Harris delivered another angst-filled sexy and emotional romance that brought the heat, tears and passionate love. This sequel took this series to another level because healing and happy was evident much earlier for me as I wasn’t sure we would get there in book 1.
We met both Ash (as Damon’s friend) and Max (as Justin’s friend) in book one. They were just as likeable in their own book and less broken mentally than the prior couple.

Ash and Max worked for me as a couple because they were opposites. One man was hiding his heart because of fear and past hurt, and the other one was actively pursuing his heart’s desire. One person wanted nothing to do with relationships and the other was looking for the love of his life. Both men did however have a heart for others. Their daily jobs involved assisting disadvantaged people who need a safe space and that was so endearing.

What I loved about this story was the author really took these guys on a journey of growth. The brokenness that was so evident in the beginning was systematically healed with love, patience and passionate sex. Their physical chemistry was undeniable, but their desire to help others was the foundation upon which Ash and Max built their relationship.
I really loved Ash because in book 1 he proved that he is loyal and steadfast to those he loves. He was helping pregnant patients who couldn’t afford care and housing. He was just a great guy! He cares for others and fought for others. I loved how Ash asked for help in getting through to Max and he listened and followed the advice. I almost forgot that Ash had some issues from his past that were unresolved too. He had hurts too but he tried to keep positive and not live in the past. I was happy when Max finally began fighting for Ash and proving his love for Ash.

The sex scenes were so HOT.

At times it was sweet, and at times it was just raw and animalistic. But both men gave as good as they got in the sack. Wow. I mean, I was blushing! I loved it. This part of their union was definitely clicking on all cylinders.

Most of all, the author did a wonderful job tying in the friendships with Damon and Justin from the book 1 and I was so happy to see how far those two had come. Their friendship and respective romance came full circle. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the next book.

Sorry guys.
I think the no notifications thing threw me off and I forgot to post my review.
So thank you Captain for the pm and please don't be shy (any of you) if I am off living in lala land and forget to check in.

thank you for your patience.

I'm glad that didn't upset you - thanks for that! The no notifications thing this week has made me learn that I depend on Goodreads for quick happy breaks to my routine. And the review is in PLENTY of time! Plus, made me want to check out the series :)

Argh - well the lucky rolls have ended and I rolled a 1. Sorry! We'll be on Spot 27. I'll put complete info in the next post.

Week 4 Roll 1 (Thursday)
Roll: 1 BOO!
Previous Spot: 26
New Spot: 27

Task:
#2 in series
#7 in series
#27 in series

Alternate: 27. Cover Item 2 or more people on cover

Total Bonus points earned: 1
Bonus points this week: 0
Bonus points used: 0

Reviews:
Denise Murder at Blackburn Hall
EzinwanyiXeni
Tamie-Lee The Dig
Suzanne Lost in a Good Book

SELECTION POST
Spot: 27

Book: Murder at Blackburn Hall by Sara Rosett
Qualification: High Society Lady Detective #2
Pages: 269

SELECTION Post (Week 4)
Roll 1: Spot 27

Title: Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Qualification: Loose Ends Series, Book 2
Pages: 263 pages

Selection Post (Week 4)
Roll 1: Spot 27

Book: Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
Qualfication: Thursday Next #2
Pages: 379

Week 4: Roll 1
Spot: 27

Book: Murder at Blackburn Hall by Sara Rosett
Qualification: High Society Lady Detective #2
Pages: 269
Finished: 08 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
After months of fruitless searching, Olive has finally scored another detective job. Hired by a publisher to discreetly inquire into the whereabouts of a missing mystery author - a job that seemed a lot easier before soon after her arrival in the countryside a body is discovered. A second murder, this time in the very house Olive is staying in, comes with the additional unpleasantness of making her the police's prime suspect.

As delightfully entertaining as the first book. Sara Rosett really has a knack for writing quirky, fun characters to populate her mysteries with. I wonder if we'll get to meet Serena again at some point.

COMPLETION Post (Week 4)
Roll 1: Spot 27

Title: Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon
Qualification: Loose Ends Series, Book 2
Pages: 263 pages
Read: 10/9
Rating & Review: 4.5 stars
I loved this audiobook. I love Antony Ferguson as a narrator though I normally hear him in Highlander romances.
In this book, the author managed to make this marriage of convenience book so much more.
Xeni’s aunt died and left Xeni almost $27 million dollars in money and assets but in order to claim it, Xeni must marry a man her aunt chose and stay married for at least a month.
The aunt chose a Scottish man named Mason, whom the aunt has formed a connection with and he is also in a good amount of debt thanks to student loans and such.

So Xeni and Mason decide the money is worth a month of marriage even though they are strangers. The journey was entertaining, sweet and sexy. It was a treat to watch both Xeni and Mason grow and take control of their own destiny. They learned to self advocate and they also learned that love comes in different forms.

It was an awesome read and it had great diversity. I loved this one more than book 1.

I'll have my book done tonight - but I'm absolutely swamped by grading so may not be til right before the deadline.

Completion Post - Week 4
Roll 1 spot 27


Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
Pages: 379
Date Read: 10/10/20
How it Qualifies: #2 in Thursday Next Series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I really had to pay attention when reading this book because there are SO many references - to books, literature, authors, etc. Thursday Next is learning some new tricks and visitng lots of characters and books - it was SO fun discovering how all that works and it makes me want to be like her :) Her husband has ben de-existed, her father doesn't officially exist, and the world just might end, but Thursday perseveres. In the meantime, we see Neandrathals and, of course, Thursday's pet dodo.

I'm going to get to bed - if we get our last review in feel free to roll - whoever is here first :)

Completion Post - Week 4
Roll 1 spot 27


The Dig by Alan Dean Foster
Pages: 320
Date Read: 10/11/20
How it Qualifies: Alternative - 2 or more people on the cover.
Rating: ***
Review:
I've never played, or previously even heard of the video game. So that might have affected my judgement of this. But honestly, I thought it was a fun little sci-fi adventure with some cool ideas, but not without it's faults.
The language was a bit long-winded sometimes, with a lot of really big, unnecessary words. Not that I normally have a problem with big words, but sometimes the book read like a dictionary of obscure terms that society hasn't used in over a century.
The world-building was pretty cool though for such a short story, with plenty of atmosphere, cool alien tech, and some interesting otherworldly entities.
I think I'll try and track down a copy of the game now..

Took the liberty of rolling and got a 5, so we're on spot 32. Alternate: Set in a Fictional Location/Universe

I'll leave the proper tracking post to you, Suzanne. :)