The Sunday Salon- November 10, 2013

The Sunday Salon
The last few weeks have been so incredibly busy.  I've had something going on after work EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.  Things finally slow down NEXT Sunday.  Whew!

I finished and reviewed the following books last week:

The Assassin and the Underworld (Throne of Glass #0.3) by Sarah J. Maas










I fulfilled items in the following challenges last week:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 55
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 44
2013 Quick Fix Challenge: 23

I am currently reading Cress by Marissa Meyer and up next is The Distance Between Us by Kacie West.

Book Review- The Assassin and the Underworld

I finished reading The Assassin and the Underworld (Throne of Glass #0.3) by Sarah J. Maas.

From Goodreads:

When the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight

slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The misson is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer—and she doesn’t like what she finds there.


This novella felt extra short.  I mean, I get that it's a short story but I kind of felt like there wasn't much to this one.  There was only a little bit of action.  Buuuut I did really like our introduction to just how Celaena and Sam finally came into their relationship.  Still love this series so much so though!!

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 55
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 44
2013 Quick Fix Challenge: 23

*FTC Disclosure: I borrowed this book from a friend.

In My Mailbox- November 4, 2013

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week

MONDAY

Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires #5)- Chloe Neill--PaperbackSwap











FRIDAY

Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3)- Marissa Meyer--review for an Around the World ARC Tour










SATURDAY

Roses- G.R. Mannering--from publisher for review





 

2013 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge-- November Update

2013 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge Details:

• Runs January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013 (books read prior to 1/1/2013 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2013 than you did in 2012. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. You can move up a level as often as you’d like but no moving down.
• Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio).
• Novellas that are at least 100 pages in length, as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
• Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Levels: Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books
Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books


I am not going to keep a list of the books I'm reading.  I am just going to keep track of how many books I am up to for each month on the last day of the month.  I read 93 books in 2012.

~I am going to try for the Getting My Heart Rate Up level first.

January: 7
February: 12
March: 19
April: 24
May: 29
June: 31
July: 38
August: 44
September: 48
October: 54
November:
December:

2013 Quick Fix Reading Challenge-- November Update

2013 Quick Fix Challenge

Challenge Details:

• The challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.
• Sign ups will be open until mid December.
• You don't have to be a blogger to participate. However, leave a comment and tell me what level you're aiming for.
• For bloggers, post up a challenge sign up post saying what level you've signed up for. Be sure to sign-up with your sign-up post in the linky.
• You don't have to review the books you read however if you do, you will be able to post your links to your reviews here. (I'll have a post up for reviews up in January.)
• Books have to have less than 300 pages to count.
• Books such as MG/YA, graphic novels/manga, audio, rereads, can count toward your goal.
  • *Updated* Anthologies and short stories count as well. (I can't believe I forgot about these.)
• Feel free to crossover the books you read for this challenge with other challenges.

(If you have any questions feel free to ask, I feel like I might be missing something here, but I could be wrong.)

Now the Levels/It will hold with:

String: 5 books

Paperclips: 10 books

Duck tape: 15 books

Gorilla glue: 20+ books

 

~I am going to start off trying for the string level
~I finished the String level so now working on Paperclips level
~I finished Paperclips so now working on Duck Tape
~I finished Duck tape so now working on Gorilla Glue
~I completed the challenge on 9/2

 

1.  Crash (Visions #1) by Lisa McMann
2.  Dualed by Elsie Chapman
3.   Eternal by H.G. Nadel
4.  Shut Up by Anne Tibbets
5. Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone
8.  The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
9.  The Returners by Gemma Malley
10. Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott
11. Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance 
12. Disneylanders by Kate Abbott
13.  Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols
14.  With All My Soul (Soul Screamers #7) by Rachel Vincent
15.  Never to Sleep (Soul Screamers #5.5) by Rachel Vincent
16.  Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee
17.  The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts
18.  The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass #0.1) by Sarah J. Maas
19.  Ralph's Party by Lisa Jewell
20.  The Assassin and the Dessert (Throne of Glass #0.2) by Sarah J. Maas
21.  Frigid by J. Lynn 
22. Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4) by Miranda Kenneally

2013 Mammoth Book Challenge-- November Update

2013 Mammoth Book Challenge

2013 Mammoth Book Challenge

Here are the challenge details:

1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2013 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.

3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.

4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.

5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!

6. Important Information About E-books and Audiobooks: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!

7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.

8. About large-print books: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.

9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.

10. There are four levels for the challenge:

a. Walrus: Read 3 mammoth-sized books.
b. Hippopotamus: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
c. White Rhinoceros: Read 9 mammoth-sized books.
d. African Elephant: Read 12 or more mammoth-sized books.

11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!

12. There will be a link-up for your reviews, which will be posted on THIS page.

13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
~I will start off trying for the walrus level
~Finished Walrus so trying for Hippopotamus

1.  Shadows in the Silence (Angelfire #3) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
3. Wait for You by J. Lynn
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2013 Sophomore Reading Challenge--November Update

2013 Sophomore Reading Challenge

What books count towards the SRC?
Any second YA or MG book published by an author in 2013 counts – it can be the second in a series, a new series, or a standalone. The only requirement is that it is the SECOND book the author has published in the YA or MG realm (and it must publish in 2013 in your home country)! There is a Goodreads group for the challenge, which includes a selection of books that would count for the challenge – as you can see, there are probably many many books on that list you are planning on reading already :)
The list will be updated as I’m able, but please feel free to read ANY Sophomore book! It does not have to be the second book in a series, just the second YA/MG book the author has published, period.
When does the challenge run?
Books read before January 2014 count for this challenge. This includes books you may have access to now in ARC form!
Why should I join this challenge?
Reading debut novels is AWESOME. It is by far my favorite challenge – it allows me to find many new authors that I love. What better way to support these authors than to read their next published book?
What are the guidelines of the challenge?
Your challenge is to read 10 sophomore YA/MG novels in 2013. To officially participate, you need a Goodreads account or blog where you post reviews in English.
What should I do if I’m an author coming out with a sophomore novel?
I would love to feature you on my blog! Please e-mail me (shanynlee at gmail.com) and let me know if you’d like to be interviewed, featured, would like to offer a giveaway, etc.
How do I join?
Link your blog or Goodreads account below, and make a list of the sophomore novels you’re looking forward to :)
There will be prize packs given away to challenge participants throughout next year. You will receive an automatic entry for signing up to participate – options for additional entries will be announced at the time of the giveway.

1.  The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass
2.  Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo
3.  Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance
4.  Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas
5.  Shadow of the Mark (Carrier #2) by Leigh Fallon
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2013 Standalone Reading Challenge--November Update

2013 Standalone Reading Challenge

The Challenge Read 15 Young Adult or Middle Grade standalone novels in 2013 that are released in the United States between January 1s - December 31, 2013.

Eligible Books 

• YA & Middle Grade standalone novels. This means that the book can not have an announced (sometimes sequels happen unexpectedly) sequel, prequel, follow up, etc. Adult novels and picture books do not count.
• This year companion novels count towards the challenge. Companion novels take place in the same world and time as a novel but usually follow a different character. It can be read independently from the book that came before it.
• Released between January 1 - Decemeber 31, 2013 in the United States. If a book was previously released in another country but is being releasing in the US for the first time, it is eligible. At the same time, if you live in a country where it was previously released, but it is being released in the states for the first time - lucky you- it counts.
• Must be read in 2013 (If you have an ARC and read it in 2012, it does not count)
• Can be read in any (legally) readable format: ARC, Paperback, Hardcover or e-book
• Audio books do not count towards the challenge.

Hafsah and I will be creating a list of eligible challenge titles to get you started towards your goal. It will be available soon.

Participation Perks 
There will be a prize pack given away each month to a random participant. You gain entries into that month's prize pack by linking up to your challenge eligible reviews (Unfortunately, prize packs are US only). There will also be giveaways on the hosts' blogs to go along with special posts with authors. That's not even mentioning the random giveaways that we may throw in here and there! People who complete the challenge and fill out an easy form will be entered into another prize pack drawing.

1. Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley 
2.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
3.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
4.  Love in the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia Block
5.  Furious by Jill Wolfson
6.  Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott
7.  Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance
8.  Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols
9.  The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
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2013 Embarrassment of Riches TBR Reading Challenge-- November Update

2013 Embarrassment of Riches TBR Reading Challenge

RULES: To be considered a TBR book, you must own it prior to Jan 1, 2013. The book can count toward other challenges, as well. It can be fiction or nonfiction, poetry or play, audiobook–as long as it is a book. This is not a picky challenge–just about reading the riches we already own.

On the last day of each month I will post an entry where you can say how many TBRs you read that month, titles, and whether you liked them or not. Full-blown reviews not required. You can list them in comments or link back to your own blog or page where they are listed.

At the end of the year I will have pretty badges for all levels, and if I haven’t learned to create them by myself, hopefully somebody else will make them for me.

There are five levels of accomplishment (and a bonus challenge) in the Embarrassment of Riches TBR Reading Challenge.

Copper: Read 6 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.

Bronze: Read 12 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.

Silver: Read 24 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013

Gold: Read 36 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.

Platinum: Read 50 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.

Bonus Challenge! The same levels are also available for digital samples. If you are like me, you also have a quizillion samples you’ve downloaded onto your e-reader. Culling through samples and deciding whether to keep reading or not is a separate challenge with all five levels and the same year-end prize–a special badge.

~I am going to start off trying for the Copper level
~Not sure I am going to complete it, but now trying for the Bronze level

1.  Pug Hill by Alison Pace
2.  Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone
3.  The Returners by Gemma Malley
4.  Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee
5.  Ralph's Party by Lisa Jewell
6. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
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2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge-- November Update

2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2013 YOUNG ADULT

READING CHALLENGE

January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013

The Rules:

-Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.

-Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count.

-No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

There are four levels:

The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.

The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.

The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.

The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.

Challenge begins January 1st, 2013 -December 31, 2013.

Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

 

~I am going to start from the beginning trying for the Mega size

 

1.  Crash (Visions #1) by Lisa McMann
2.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
3.  Dualed by Elsie Chapman
4.  Shadows in the Silence (Angelfire #3) by Courtney Allison Moulton
5.  Fever (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #2) by Lauren DeStefano
6.  Sever (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #3) by Lauren DeStefano
7.  The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass
8.  The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
9.  Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
10.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
11.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
12.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
13.  Love in the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia Block
14.  Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6) by Rachel Vincent
15.  The Rules (Project Paper Doll #1) by Stacey Kade
16.  Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo
17.  Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone
18.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
19.  The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
20.  Furious by Jill Wolfson
21.  The Returners by Gemma Malley
22.  Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott
23.  Eve (Rise #3) by Anna Carey
24.  Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance
25.  Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols
26.  Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver
27.  With All My Soul (Soul Screamers #7) by Rachel Vincent
28.  Never to Sleep (Soul Screamers #5.5) by Rachel Vincent
29.  Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
30.  Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas
31.  Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee
32.  The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts
33.  The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass #0.1) by Sarah J. Maas
34.  Alienated by Melissa Landers
35.  The Assassin and the Dessert (Throne of Glass #0.2) by Sarah J. Maas
36.  The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
37.  The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
38.  Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally
39.  Perfect Ruin (The Internment Chronicles #1) by Lauren DeStefano
40.  Shadow of the Mark (Carrier #2) by Leigh Fallon
41.  Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
42.  Demonglass (Hex Hall #2) by Rachel Hawkins
43.  Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4) by Miranda Kenneally
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