2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

I'm going to try and go for 100 books this year! Hopefully I can stay on track and complete my goal. I will update my progress as I go on! :-)

Book No.1: Noah Barleywater Runs Away
Author: John Boyne
Rating: 6/10

Review:
I thought this book was a bit too random for starts. It was very imaginative, but sometimes a bit over the top. It's not very descriptive at all but the storyline is very creative.The characters are interesting and kept me going throughout the book. It was an intriguing storyline. So not the best story I've read, but still, it's not the worst! Overall, it's a fun book! :-)

Book No.2: The Butterfly Lion
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Rating: 2/10

Review:
The storyline was boring and dull. Not a page turner for me. The author was very descriptive, which was good. The illustrations were difficult to make out! I was very dissapointed because my expectations were high. The ending was interesting but a bit blunt and quick. So It wasn't the best read for me! Hopefully there's better things to come! :-)

Book No.3: The Sandman And The Turtles
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Rating: 4/10

Review:
A bit predictable and not the most exciting of storylines. Not a page turner for me. I wasn't intrigued by the story's events. I did like the characters and how they were portrayed though. I liked the ending but wish that it was a bit longer. Overall it was a nice, short read but not my favorite. :-)

Book No.4: Cool!
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Rating:3/10

Review:
I thought the idea of the storyline was great but the same events basically just kept recurring. I felt like there was no climax in the story. It just began and it ended. I wasn't hooked into the book wanting to know how it ends because I already knew. It was a bit predictable. I never really got to know what the characters personalities were like. It wasn't very descriptive and I couldn't make a picture of it in my mind. Overall I thought the story had the potential to be better but just ended up being bland. I liked the way he you could see how the main character had relationships with the other characters even though he was in a coma. Overall this was a predictable, bland story that could have been great. :-)

Book No.5: Long Way Home
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Rating: 5/10

Review:
Thought the beginning was quite boring and somewhat meaningless. The storyline picked up in the second half of the book and I was somehow hooked on. I enjoyed the way the author was able to convince the reader that they've always known the characters. I liked how he showed each characters thoughts on different events. I thought different parts of the story could've been made more exciting. It was a bit disappointing after all the exciting events just stopped suddenly and the story calmed. Overall, this was a short read that was overflowed with events with a heart-warming ending.

Book No.6: Gone
Author: Michael Grant
Rating: 8/10

Review:
Great storyline. A very interesting beginning that gets you hooked in at the very start. It's a real page turner. Lots of great plot twists and interesting scenarios. You get to like the characters and their personalities. I thought the violence and bloodiness could've been toned down just to make it a bit more realistic. I wish the ending could've been more satisfactory so it can be a brilliant book in its own right. I didn't really like the ending and that's so disappointing because it was so intriguing. Overall, it was an interesting page turner but the ending could've been better and be more realistic with less violence. :-)

Book No.7: Hunger
Author: Michael Grant
Rating: 6/10

Review:
Not as good as the first book in the series. A bit of the mystery part of the book went missing. It wasn't as much of a page turner for me because of this. I thought it was a bit too violent and unrealistic because of this. There were still too many characters to keep track of. I thought the beginning could have been more exciting but I started to get into the story as I went on. Overall, it didn't live up to my expectations but it was still a good read. :-)

Book No.8: Lies
Author: Michael Grant
Rating: 8/10

Review:
This book is a definite page turner. It kept me guessing and wondering throughout. Sometimes the storyline became a little repetitive but it was still fast moving. The characters develop a lot more and we learn more about them. The are plenty of plot twists that keep you excited. It was a bit slow at the beginning of the story but soon enought the storyline got on track. The ending was exciting and intriguing. Overall, this is a brilliant book with plenty of exciting twists and turns and only a few small details that disappointed me. :-)

I'm reading Gone now. You must have really liked it reading two others right after it.
I didn't know about John Boyne's Noah Barleywater Runs Away. Added!
Great job so far on your challenge (:

Adriana wrote: "I'm reading Gone now. You must have really liked it reading two others right after it.
I didn't know about John Boyne's Noah Barleywater Runs Away. Added!
Great job so far on your challenge (:"

Well I got the 3 books as a Christmas present and it has a really good storyline. Yes, Noah Barleywater Runs away is quite a quirky read. Very enjoyable.

Currently reading The Cold Eye of Heaven by Christine Dwyer and its brilliant so far!

Are you going to read the rest of the Gone series at some point?

I really loved the whole series and am really excited for Light which comes out in April! :D

Lilac wrote: "Are you going to read the rest of the Gone series at some point?

I really loved the whole series and am really excited for Light which comes out in April! :D"

Yes! I am really intrigued by the overall mysterious storyline. When I get the chance I'll get plague but I don't want to leave to much of a gap between fear and light that hasn't come out yet, so I might wait a while before I read the fifth in the series.

Good idea, I read Fear as soon as it came out so I hope I haven't forgotten anything. :)

Lilac wrote: "Good idea, I read Fear as soon as it came out so I hope I haven't forgotten anything. :)"

Yes, and I'm very forgetful!

Book No.9: Girl, Missing
Author: Sophie McKenzie
Rating: 8/10

Review:
What an amazing author. This book grabs you and doesn't let you go until the very end. The author writes it in such a way that you feel a connection with each character. The storyline is eventful and full of twists. I would of liked if there was a bit more description of the characters. This was a real page turner. The ending was quite odd but satisfying. Overall, "Girl, Missing" is a fantastic thriller, mystery, that leaves you wishing it wouldn't end. :-)

Book No.10: The Cold Eye of Heaven
Author: Christine Dwyer Hickey
Rating: 9/10

Review:
What a brilliant writer. I loved this book and its storyline. The idea of the main character going back through his life as he is laying, close to death, on his bathroom floor is brilliant. It was all wrapped up nicely and I liked the ending. Not so much a page turner for me but definitely a book I'd read again. The author makes you connect with each character and makes you feel like you're in the story too. Overall, I thought this book was a brilliant read and one that I would reccommend. :-)

Book No.11: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Author: Lewis Carroll
Rating: 6/10

Review:
This is a quirky, little tale. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was quite amusing and had me in laughing at some points in the story. There wasn't very much description at all and sometimes the story moved on a bit quick before you could think about it. It was a very imaginative story with crazy characters and quirky happenings. Overall, I enjoyed this short tale but it lacked some important qualities.

Book No.12: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Author:John Boyne
Rating:6/10

Review:
This book didn't live up to my expectations I thought it was a bit slow for starts and the storyline didn't really hold me. The last few pages were quite intense. I like the way it was told from the innocent eyes of Bruno but I thought he was a bit too naive for a nine year old. It was a sad story but John Boyne wrote it in a great way to show the serious affects of the war through innocent eyes. Overall, I thought it was a good read but the storyline could have been a bit more exciting and not a book that I'd read again. :-)

Book No.13: Plague
Author: Michael Grant
Rating: 7/10

Review:
This story was fast moving and very eventful. There were times where it was a page turner and times where it wasn't. It was a bit too gruesome for my liking but the overall storyline was thrilling and exciting. I found myself connecting and relating to the characters easily. Even when I was doubtful of the storyline I still wanted to know what happens at the end. Overall, this book was a thrilling read with twists and turns around every corner.

Book No.14: Fear
Author: Michael Grant
Rating: 7/10

Review:
This book was exciting from start to finish, with action bring you up to the last few pages. The storyline was a bit slow at times but picked up quickly. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, and the way the story went at times disappointed me a bit. I had very high hopes for this book, and at times my hopes were met, but there were times when they weren't. I felt that the mystery was sort of sucked out of the whole series in this book. I thought it could have been more mysterious and intriguing. The characters were very relatable and easy to connect with. The storyline took a twist that made me want to read on and find out how the series will finally end in the final book. Overall, this book was exciting and action-packed but could've been a bit more mysterious and quick-moving.

Book No.15: Back to Blackbrick
Author: Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
Rating: 5/10

Review:
I was disappointed with this book. I didn't like the style of writing. I felt like I was reding an essay rather than a book or a story. The storyline was slow and just when it was about to pick up, it let me down. The storyline was a bit boring and I had to force myself to read on at times. It had the potential to be a really good story. I like the little bits of humour that were thrown in at times. I think younger readers would enjoy reading this book. All the loose strings were tied up in the end and that was satisfying, but i thought the ending was too long. Overall, a disappointing storyline and but a book which a younger audience might enjoy.

Book No.16: Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Rating: 7/10

Review:
I loved this dark, creepy tale. Even though it was quite short, I was pulled into the story. The beginning got off to a slow start but it really picked up after a while. I wish we could have learned more about Coraline's personality in the story. The storyline kept you on the edge of your seat, excited and scared at the same time. I liked the bit of humour as well. Its the type of book you'd never get bored with. you could read it over an over again and still get the same thrill every time. Overall, this was a short tale, but definitely a book I'd read again.

Book No.17: The Fall
Author: Anthony McGowan
Rating: 0/10

Review:
This was one of the worst, if not the worst, book I ever read in my life. The story was boring, pointless, a bit gruesome, and depressing. I couldn't connect or relate to any of the characters because I hated them all. There was no climax or resolution in the story. It was just one big problem. The ending was blunt and stupid. I had to force myself to read on through the whole book. There was no description and no likeable characters to back up the storyline. Overall, I wish I had never read is book and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Book No.18: Friend Or Foe
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Rating: 3/10

Review:
Boring! A very unrealistic story line. There was no climax and it was very unrealistic. I didn't expect much anyway. I was yawning throughout the whole story. The characters were annoying and unlikable. Overall, a short read that I won't be reading again.

Book No.19: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Rating: 10/10

Review:

Rating: 10/10

"Wow"

The first word that came out of my mouth after I turned the last page of this book. After a few minutes of reliving some of the events in the book, I went into savage mode.

"Give me Insurgent, NOW!!!"

I loved this book. It was exciting, thrilling and a page turner. And when I say page turner, I mean don't eat, sleep or blink until you finish this book! The story line was so creative. I have to say that Veronica Roth is one of my new favourite authors. The only thing I disliked about the book was that it was a bit predictable at times. But don't get me wrong, there were many exciting twists.

I know people compare Divergent to The Hunger Games, but I think Divergent is completely unique. It is unlike anything I've ever read, including The Hunger Games. Veronica Roth's writing style is so unique in its own right. I liked that no character was perfect. Every character had their flaws and even Tris wasn't just the perfect hero that saves the day. She had her ups and downs, like everyone does. That's what made it realistic for me.

One thing that I wish happened was that Tris made an even more shocking decision at the Choosing Ceremony. I mean, wouldn't it just be like "OMG!!!" If she just went all out and chose Amity. I know the story wouldn't have turned out the same but you know what I mean. There was a couple of times when I thought Tris' decisions were surprisingly simple. But that's what I admire about Roth's style of writing.

When I tried to think about my favourite character, I found it hard to find one. At first I thought I didn't really like any of the characters enough to have a favourite, but then I realised that throughout the book I always wanted to know what Tris' Mom was getting up to. I admired her bravery and her strong-willed personality. She was definitely the dark horse of the story. I also liked Tori. She was a mysterious character and I liked her subtleness.

I loved the mysterious side to this story. It was the main reason I couldn't put the book down. Roth did a great job at slipping in small bits of mystery into the main story line. The ending was interesting and very clever. And as I mentioned I immediately wanted to get started on Insurgent. Roth is exceptionally good at keeping up the suspense.

What attracted me to this book in the first place was the name. "Divergent" is very intriguing. I also loved the US book cover, but unfortunately I was left with buying the UK cover edition.
I liked that this book fit in with many different genres. Dystopian, YA, Thriller, Mystery, Romance and it was even humorous at times. At times I was at the edge of my seat, and at times I was giggling with the little shots of humour.

Veronica Roth definitely has a unique style of writing. She surprised me with her unique perspectives. I could relate with each character. I could hate them and love them at the same time. I felt like I was taking part in the book, like I was a part of it. I loved that.

Overall, this book was more of an experience rather than a read. It was amazing. I would recommend it to everyone. Anyone of any age would enjoy the story. Its a book for all. I'll definitely be looking into Veronica Roth's future work. And I'll definitely be reading Divergent again.

Book No.20: The Magic Finger
Author: Roald Dahl
Rating: 5/10

Review:
Ah, a Roald Dahl book is always refreshing. But I'm not a huge fan of this one. It was a predictable. I knew exactly what was going to happen throughout the book. I did like the humorous side to the story though. I was giggling throughout the book.
Ronald Dahl's books always make me smile. They are so simple, but effective. I really didn't like the characters that much in The Magic Finger. I was expecting more. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The story was short but didn't satisfy me.
Overall, a nice short read, but a bit predictable and not very satisfying.

Book No. 21: Free Four: Tobias Tells the Story
Author: Veronica Roth
Rating: 6/10

Review:

"Interesting"

The first word that I spoke once I finished this read. This was interesting. I was very intrigued when I heard about this short book. I wanted to know what Tobias was thinking and how he saw things. I was interested to know how his perspective differentiated from Tris'.

I thought that this book showed how limited Tris' perspective actually is. It made me think about the whole Divergent series and what it would be like from other characters perspectives. It definitely changed my opinion about different events in the series, in a good way.

I found myself thinking about how other characters would feel about certain events and happenings in the books. How it would affect them. It's nice to have Tris telling the story but this book made the series much easier to understand.

I only wish it was a different scene in the book that Veronica Roth chose to show Tobias' perspective. I thought the knife-throwing scene was a bit safe and I would of liked to see the boundaries pushed a little further.

Overall, I liked this book and how it changed my opinion about different events in the books. My only wish is that it was a different scene Roth chose for this short book. I think anyone who has read Divergent should read this. It gives you a whole different perspective of the books. I highly recommend it.

Book No. 22: Insurgent
Author: Veronica Roth
Rating: 10/10


Here is my review

Book No. 23: The Twits
Author: Roald Dahl
Rating: 7/10


Here is my review

Book No. 24: The Giving Tree
Author: Shel Silverstein
Rating: 7/10


Here is my review

Hmm...looks like I should probably pick up Insurgent. I liked Divergent but was really annoyed by the love story. Insurgent looks better.

Kara, I have to say that Insurgent was much better than Divergent in my opinion. Everything was more developed and that made it a more enjoyable read.

Book No. 24


Light by Michael Grant

My rating: 8/10





*WARNING: This review may contain spoilers of the first five books in the Gone series

Bravo!

Light is the 6th and final book in the best selling Gone series by Michael Grant. Filled with action, suspense and brilliantly developed characters. Light, and the rest of the Gone series, represents dystopian thrillers at their best.


All eyes are on Perdido Beach. The barrier wall is now as clear as glass and life in the FAYZ is visible for the entire outside world to see. Life inside the dome remains a constant battle and the darkness, away from watchful eyes, grows and grows...

The society that Sam and Astrid have struggled so hard to build is about to be shattered for good. Who will survive to see the light of day?


I received the first three books in the Gone series as a Christmas present. I wasn't much into reading at that time, but I have to say, the UK/Ireland cover looked brilliant! So I gave them a go. And I want to say this, thank you Michael for bringing the love of reading into my life. You have no idea how much I appreciate it!

So, after I finished Gone, Hunger, and Lies I rushed to the book store to pick up Plague and Fear. I was completely hooked in, I couldn't escape the FAYZ! I only had to wait a short while for Light to come out, and I got it the first day it was released. I finished it in about two days, I was so excited! I can't believe the this amazing series has come to an end.

So, lets get started!


88 HOURS 39 MINUTES


As I was reading Light, I felt so many different things. I was shocked, scared, upset, amazed, heartbroken and most of all, Michael you achieved your goal because I was definitely creeped out. It wouldn't be a Gone novel without the gore, and boy was it gory. But luckily, after the worst of the disgusting, freaky moments in Plague, I was sorta used to it. I'm not a huge fan of young violence and gore, but before I read Light, I said to myself Jack, you know there will be some gory moments in this book. Just accept it and enjoy Light.And I did.

One of the things I love most about the Gone series is how developed the characters are. And by the time I arrived at Light, I felt like I knew each character personally. That says a lot, when you feel so connected to each character in a book. I felt like I was part if the FAYZ too. I felt sympathy, happiness, save stated for different characters in the story. If I had to choose a favourite, it would have to be either Lana or Brianna (Breeze). They were both so strong-willed. Lana was the tough girl who had her soft sides as we see grow throughout the series. Brianna was confident, even with her innocence, and sometimes naivety. She always believed in herself, but cared for others too. My least favourite characters woul have to be Drake and Orc. Drake is just sadistic, and I've already explained how I'm not a huge fan of young gore, especially when some sadistic little boy enjoys torturing other kids and making them suffer. Orc, well I just found him annoying. From being a high school bully, to a lazy drunk, and finally a guilty, religiously-obsessed Christian. Each version of him I found irritating. But it shows how great a writer Michael Grant is, because I loved characters and hated characters. Either way, I felt something for them, whether it be anger, or awe, or any emotion.


It's all come down to this. THE ENDGAME.


I felt Light's story line was unique, different to the rest of the books in the series. It wasn't about trying to crack the code that is the FAYZ, or fighting for leadership in a divided community, or figuring out a way to organise their society so they can work together. Light was about defeating the Gaiaphage, the monster if the FAYZ, and awaiting their fate. The
barrier was clear, everyone knew it was the endgame. They just didn't know whether they'd survive it.

I was very worried that there would be a cliffhanger ending, and we'd be left wondering for the rest of our lives how the aftermath if the FAYZ went. Luckily, and many of the people who've read Light will agree with me, this ending was one of the most satisfying I've ever read. Phew!

There were definitely some shockers in the story. Some heartbreaking, some just plain weird(view spoiler)[like how the Gaiaphage came to be (hide spoiler)], and some that made you feel fantastically surprised! At times I was close to tears,(view spoiler)[especially when Brianna died. As I said, she was one of my favourite characters and her bravery outshone everyone else. All the other characters realised how important she was, and how loved, when she was actually gone. (hide spoiler)] And I think it says a lot if I'm close to tears because of a book. It just proves how connected I was to the characters. Although the ending was satisfying, Michael still left something to toy with your mind! I had to read over the last page a coup,e of times before I processed what I was reading. I still don't really get it, but eh?


"Turn out the light, Sam."
Sam reached for the switch and turned out the light.


One thing that I missed in Light, was the mystery of the FAYZ. That was the thing that always intrigued me. Suddenly, everyone over the age of fifteen disappears and huge barrier pops up from nowhere, surrounding everything and everyone inside a 20 mile radius. It was so odd. And all the theories different characters were coming up with were so interesting, and shocking. I was so intrigued by the mystery that was the FAYZ. That's why Gone and Lies are my favourites of the series, a large amount of their story lines were filled with the mystery and lies about this unimaginable dome they were trapped in. So, I guess, maybe I would of liked the mystery to continue on into Light. It was the shorted book of the series after all. I'm sure Michael could've fit it in. But that's just in my opinion.

Another thing, which you probably picked up already (I think I mentioned it a few times!), is that I didn't like the gore. There's just something about kids ripping each other to shreds, mutated bugs eating helpless young children from the inside, a poor boy ripping the eyes out of his head because a girl with the power to create terrible illusions punishes him with her magic, and a monstrous baby ripping the arm off an innocent man and eating it for dinner, that's just plain disturbing. But Michael said it was his goal to creep us out, and again, as I've said, he definitely achieved his goal.


You are now free to leave the FAYZ.


When I read those words I almost got a bit emotional. I felt like I was a part of the Gone series. I was fighting alongside Sam and Caine, and trying to work out the FAYZ with Astrid, and working alongside Dahra and Lana to heal poor, unlucky kids. A truly brilliant set of characters and an epic story line.

Light was still one of my favourites in the series. The name definitely suits the book. Light, all is revealed and everything is explained. The cover was also amazing! The cover for every book in the series is great, actually. They are the most intriguing covers I think I've ever seen. Light, on top of the great story line, it has a fantastic cover and title. It was a great ending to a brilliant series!

Overall, Light was a wondrous read. I'll definitely be re-reading the whole Gone series again some day. I've read a couple of Michael Grant's other works, including Eve and Adam, which I loved! I will be looking into his future works to. Again, I just want to say thank you so much Michael, for bringing the love of reading back into my life with such an enjoyable series!

I have now left the FAYZ... but not for good!

~Jack





View all my reviews

That's a KILLER review of Light, Jack! Thanks for posting.

Kara wrote: "That's a KILLER review of Light, Jack! Thanks for posting."

Aw, thanks Kara :)

I actually got to meet Michael Grant personally on Thursday. I won a contest, so yay! I had such a great time. Sorry, I haven't been able to keep track for a while, as I am very busy at the mo. but will catch up soon.