Challenge: 50 Books discussion

Here we go again!

My first challenge two years ago was a success with 50/50 read. Last year I had a crazy honours schedule and aimed for 25, and ended up reading 26!

This year, I'm going for the 50 again.

I'll put a general list below, and give each book I read it's own post.

Time Frame: 01.01.14 - 31.12.14
Books Read: 50/50


01. Code by Kathy Reichs 03.01.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
02. The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle 05.01.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
03. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter 05.01.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
04. Love Anthony by Lisa Genova 14.01.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
05. The Gingerbread Man by Maggie Shayne 16.01.14 ♥♥♥
06. Operation Werwolf by Tom Kane 30.01.14 ♥
07. The Dead and Empty World by Carrie Ryan 13.02.14 ♥♥♥♥
08. The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle 19.02.14 ♥♥♥♥
09. No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty 22.02.14 ♥♥♥♥
10. The Moon Dwellers by David Estes 27.02.14 ♥♥♥♥
11. Sanctum's Breach by Jeff Inlo 19.03.14 ♥♥♥
12. The Void by Brett J. Talley 31.03.14 ♥♥♥
13. Inescapable by Natalie G. Owens 21.04.14 ♥♥
14. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King 27.04.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
15. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion 30.04.14 ♥♥♥♥
16. Cysgod by Hannah Phillps 04.05.14 ♥♥♥♥
17. His Last Bow by Arthur Conan Doyle by Arthur Conan Doyle 17.05.14 ♥♥♥♥
18. The Star Dwellers by David Estes 29.05.14 ♥♥♥♥
19. A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin 16.06.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
20. House of Steel by Raen Smith 20.06.14 ♥
21. Out of the Dark by Danielle James 17.06.14 ♥♥♥♥
22. Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence 30.06.14 ♥♥♥♥
23. Books of the Dead by Morris Fenris 02.07.14 ♥
24. The Devil's Grin by Annelie Wendeberg 30.07.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
25. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith 07.08.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
26. The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart 14.08.14 ♥♥
27. United We Spy by Ally Carter 14.08.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
28. A Soul For Trouble by Crista McHugh 20.08.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
29. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory 28.08.14 ♥♥♥♥
30. The Friday Edition by Betta Ferrendelli 04.09.14 ♥♥
31. Draykon by Charlotte E. English 12.09.14 ♥♥♥
32. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle 19.09.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
33. Out of Darkness by Jason D. Morrow 26.09.14 ♥♥♥♥
34. Limbus, Inc. by Jonathan Maberry 30.09.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
35. Unforeseen by Nick Pirog 02.10.14 ♥♥♥♥
36. Iron Pendulum by Megan Curd 09.10.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
37. Exposure by Kathy Reichs 16.10.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
38. X. by Matt Thompson 22.10.14 ♥♥
39. Vampire World by Rich Douglas 23.10.14 ♥
40. Shadow of Danger by Kristine Mason 31.10.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
41. The Light Keepers by Mande Matthews 04.11.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
42. Growl by Elaine Pierson 13.11.14 ♥♥♥
43. Nefarious Doings by Ilsa Evans 25.11.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
44. Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis 28.11.14 ♥♥♥♥
45. Bonded by Mande Matthews 09.12.14 ♥♥♥♥
46. Ivory by F.M. Sherrill 16.12.14 ♥♥♥♥
47. 44 by Jools Sinclair 17.12.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
48. The Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth 18.12.14 ♥♥♥♥♥
49. Fledgling by Natasha Brown 29.12.14 ♥♥
50. I is for Innocent by Sue Grafton 31.12.14 ♥♥♥♥♥

Book 1: Code by Kathy Reichs
Date Finished: 03.01.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 408
Total pages this year: 408
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great way to start that year with another fantastic book! This is number 3 in the Virals series, and probably the most dramatic to date. The story lines hooked you and just never let go, and man, the twist with Ben towards the end. Did not see that coming. At all. Could barely put it down for the last 100 pages or so. Can't wait to read the next one, expected publication later this year! :)

Book 2: The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Date Finished: 05.01.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 170
Total pages this year: 578
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was probably my favourite of the Holmes short story collections so far. You always know you're in for an interesting read with this one, and when they're all just little mysteries it's easy to sit down and read one in fifteen minutes or so. Always a pleasing and interesting read.

Book 3: Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
Date Finished: 05.01.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of page: 294
Total pages this year: 872
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm off to a great start this year! This was a nice smooth read, and so engaging and exhilarating that I finished it all in one sitting. The plot was great, the characters great (as usual), and I look forward to where the final book will take the series.

youre doing great so far!! i think you are really going to like 11/22/63. i read it last year and loved it! i cant wait yo hear what you think.

Book 4: Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
Date Finished: 14.01.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 303
Total pages this year: 1,175
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Such a beautiful read, I could hardly put it down at times. A wonderful story, the threads weaving together wonderfully, providing a unique insight into autism and its associated issues. Another magically Lisa Gevona book.

Book 5: Gingerbread Man by Maggie Shayne
Date Finished: 16.01.14
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of page: 241
Total pages this year: 1,416
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was a frebie that turned out better than I thought it would. It was a good plot, and had some good twists, some I saw coming, some I didn't. But the women were too needy, and Vince came off like too much of a jerk sometimes.

Book 6: Operation Werwolf by Tom Kane
Date Finished: 31.01.14
Rating: 1/5
Number of pages: 195
Total pages this year: 1,611
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Whilst off to a flying start for 2014, this book was a bit of a sad end to the month as it was just bad. I only finished it because it was a read for review, and I hoped it might get better as I liked the premise. But the flow was chopping, the dialogue horrible, and the general prose and grammar appalling.

(my ePub version did have a cover pic and it was pretty cool)

Book 7: The Dead and Empty World by Carrie Ryan
Date Finished: 13.02.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of pages: 96
Total pages this year: 1,707
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was a nice, short read. About zombies. Not a genre I'd read much of before, but really interesting and thought-provokinAg.

Book 8: The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle
Date Finished: 19.02.14
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of pages: 151
Total pages this year: 1,857
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was a great edition to this series. The twists in both story lines were fantastic! Didn't see either coming - Doyle was certainly a genius.

Book 9: No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Batty
Date Finished: 22.02.14
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of pages: 176
Total pages this year: 2,033
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great read, not just about surviving NaNoWriMo, but also about writing and publishing. Chris Batty is very witty which always makes for an interesting read.

Book 10: The Mood Dwellers by David Estes
Date Finished: 27.02.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of pages: 238
Total pages this year: 2,271
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was a great read. Engaging characters, interesting dystopian world, great storyline. A few unbelievable decisions from some characters, and the use of two first person narrators bugged me, but otherwise it was a really good read, and I will most likely pick up the next one in the series.

Book 11: Sanctum's Breach by Jeff Ilno
Date Finished: 19.03.14
Rating: 3/5
Number of pages: 441
Total pages this year: 2,712
Read my review here:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was an okay book. An epic fantasy tale, with magic, mythical creatures, adventure. All pretty good. But the prose was a little too long-winded in points, and got quite repetitive towards the end.

Book 12: The Void by Brett J. Talley
Date Finished: 31.03.14
Rating: 3/5
Number of pages: 263
Total pages this year: 2,975
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I really liked Talley's first book, but this was one a bit of a disappointment. I liked the premise and the plot was pretty well done. Most of the characters I didn't really connect with, and sometimes it was hard to remember who was who, and keen track of who was talking when. The flashes back and forward in time were a little annoying. By the end, I didn't really care what was going to happen next.

Book 13: Inescapable by Natalie G. Owen
Date Finished: 21.04.14
Rating: 2/5
Number of pages: 187
Total pages this year: 3,162
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This description to this gave it potential, but the poor writing, poor characterisation, and poor story line all let it down.

Book 14: Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Date Finished: 27.04.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 482
Total pages this year: 3,644
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Another great Stephen King book. Loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the horror and the drama and the suspense. A great sequel to the masterpiece that is The Shining, I could barely put this down towards then end!

Book 15: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Date Finished: 30.04.14
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of pages: 248
Total pages this year: 3,892
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great read. Funny, quirky, interesting. Somewhat predictable plot and some places could have used some more work. Great characters and easy to read.

Book 16: Cysgod by Hannah Phillips
Date Finished: 04.05.15
Rating: -/-
Number of pages: 178
Total pages this year: 4,070
Rea my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My best friend's first fully finished book!

Book 17: His Last Bow by Arthur Conan Doyle
Date Finished: 17.05.14
Reating: 4/5
Number of pages: 242
Total pages this year: 4,312
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Another good edition to this series. Wasn't really a fan of the final name-sake story - jarred too much with the rest. And as usual hard to keep up as it jumps around in time so much. But I love the characters and as always very interesting mysteries.

Book 18: The Star Dwellers by David Yates
Date Finished: 29.05.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of Pages: 368
Total pages this year: 4,680
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great edition to this series, making me want to read the next one! The world building is great and I love all the characters, especially Adele, Tristan, and Roc. Went on for a little too long after the main climax, though.

Book 19: A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
Date Finished: 16.06.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 784
Total pages this year: 5,464
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

As expceted, another great edition to this famous series by Martin. Also as expected, a bloody long read which means it will probably be a while before I pick up the next one, even though I really enjoyed it and want to keep reading the series.

Book 20: House of Steel by Raen Smith
Date Finished: 20.06.14
Rating: 1/5
Number of Pages: 5,788
Total pages this year: 6,086
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Pretty crappy book. Interesting premise, but not very well written. I couldn't sympathise with the main character and she often annoyed me. No closure at the end. Will not be continuing the series.

Book 21: Out of the Dark by Danielle James
Date Finished: 17.06.14
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of Pages: 298
Total pages this year: 6,086
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A really great read. Good premise, interesting characters, great sex scenes. I wasn't a huge fan of Angel and Brea as the main characters, but I liked all of the secondary ones. The 'afterthought' chapters at the end were a bit too much, though; could easily have ended a few chapters earlier, or fit all of the happily ever after stuff into a smaller chapter.

Book 22: Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Date Finished: 30.06.14
Rating:4.5/5
Number of Pages: 384
Total pages this year: 6,470
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great teenage boy book. Not something I would normally read, but it was recommend so I gave it a go. Interesting take on an 'anti-hero' themed fantasy story.

Book 23: Books of the Dead by Morris Fenris
Date Read: 02.07.14
Rating: 0.5/5
Number of Pages: 364
Total pages this year: 6,834
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A rather long review that sums up my basic feelings about this book: worse I've ever read. EVER. I only continued because I wanted to see if it would get any better (it didn't) and to see how the plot turned out (pretty badly). It was so bad it was, a times, comical.

Book 24: The Devil's Grin by Annelie Wendeberg
Date Finished: 30.07.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 238
Total pages this year: 7,072
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great 'Sherlock Holmes' book, even though he isn't our main character! But he was good anyway, as was our actual main character, Anna/Anton. The story was good and the world building realistic. Looking forward to the chance for the next one.

Book 25: The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Date Finished: 07.08.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 455
Total pages this year: 7,527
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Great edition to this series. I love Strike and Robin and where their relationship stands. Loved reading more about Robin and her husband (who's a bit of a dick, to be honest) and glads she got to get into the action again! Looking forward to the next one.

Book 26: The Terminals: Spark by Michael F. Stewart
Date Finished: 14.08.14
Rating: 2.5/5
Number of pages: 270
Total pages this year: 7,797
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Some promise in the idea of it, and a few things were done well, but I didn't really connect with any of the characters. There was also a bit too much gore and violence that pure shock value, which detracted from the story a bit. Probably not going to pick up the next one.

Book 27: United We Spy by Ally Carter
Date Finished: 14.08.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 297
Total pages this year: 8,094
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A fantastic end to a fantastic series. Although I was sad to see it end, and I will miss the opposrtunity to read more about Cammie, Bex, Liz, Macey, Zach, Mr Solomon, and the others, it was a well-rounded ending and I am content that they will all live happily ever after (well, as happily ever after as spies can live).

Book 28: A Soul for Trouble by Crista McHugh
Date Finished: 20.08.014
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of pages: 343
Total pages this year: 8,437
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great little gem I found for free on kindle. A few issues that stopped me from giving the full 5 stars, but a great plot and interesting characters mean I'll keep reading this series - and soon!

Book 29: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H. P. Mallory
Date Finished: 28.08.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of pages: 292
Total pages this year: 8,729
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A few too many inconsistencies with the main character for this to get 5 stars, but still a very enjoyable, sexy read. A very popular series from the sounds of it; I'll probably get around to the other one soon.

Book 30: The Friday Edition by Betta Ferrendelli
Date Finished: 04.09.14
Rating: 2/5
Number of Pages: 312
Total pages this year: 9,041
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was a pretty average read. The premise was okay, but Samantha was just not a likable character, and I wouldn't sympathise with her at all. There were too many plot holes and too many coincidences. Will not be picking up this series or author again.

Book 31: Draykon by Charlotte E. English
Date Finished: 12.09.14
Rating: 3/5
Number of Pages: 289
Total pages this year: 9,330
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Overall a pretty good read. Some plotting/consistency/continuity issues stopped me giving it more stars, but overall it was quite good. I liked most of the characters (especially the baddy) and the plot was quite interesting. Probably something I will continue with.

Book 32: The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Date Finished: 19.09.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of Pages: 225
Total pages this year: 9,555
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great finish to this classic series. I particularly liked the stories told from Holmes's point of view.

Book 33: Out of Darkness by Jason D. Morrow
Date Finished: 26.09.14
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of Pages: 338
Total pages this year: 9,893
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A good post-apocalyptic read. Good setting, good story, good characters. Mora was a bit too trusting and changed her mind way too much (not to mention too easily at times), and the romance elements felt forced. But otherwise very good and I will probably pick up the next one at some point.

Book 34: Limbus, Inc by Jonathan Mayberry et al
Date Finished: 30.09.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of Pages: 340
Total pages this year: 10,233
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A really good anthology from some of the best in sci-fi and horror. Probably could have had some more diversity in the lead characters of each story, but they all tied together really well and I liked them all. Looking forward to the next one.

Book 35: Unforeseen by Nick Pirog
Date Finished: 02.10.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of Pages: 273
Total pages this year: 10,506
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A good mystery. It takes a while to get going, the ending it way too short, and I didn't really like the main character, but the plot was very good and kept me hooked.

Book 36: Iron Pendulum by Megan Curd
Date Finished: 09.10.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of Pages: 285
Total pages this year: 10,791
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A fantastic followup to what was one of my favourite books last year! Although a bit messy at times and with a few continuity issues (probably could have done with another round of editing), it was a still a great read and I can't wait to continue and series and find Jaxon!

Book 37: Exposure by Kathy Reichs
Date Finished: 16.10.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of Pages: 432
Total pages this year: 11,223
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Another fantastic edition to this series. I love the mixture of sci-fi and mystery, and once again this was a thriller from start to finish. Ella was a great edition to the case - I hope she hangs around for the next one!

Book 38: X. by Matt Thompson
Date Finished: 22.10.14
Rating: 2/5
Number of Pages: 180
Total pages this year: 11,403
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

An interesting book and an interesting premise, but badly executed. Needed some fine-turning and at least two more editing rounds.

Book 39: Vampire World by Rich Douglas
Date Finished: 23.10.14
Rating: 1/5
Number of Pages: 378
Total pages this year: 11,781
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A very, very bad book. Confusing story line, horrible world building, generally flat characters. Would not be recommending this author or series.

Book 40: Shadow of Danger by Kristine Mason
Date Finished: 31.10.14
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of pages: 414
Total pages this year: 12,195
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A good read. Good characters and storyline, I liked the romance/sex aspect. The suspense aspects were well done, though I picked up on the big reveal a little early. Would read this author/series again.

Book 41: The Light Keepers by Mande Matthews
Date Finished: 04.11.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 150
Total pages this year: 12,345
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

A short read, but some good characterisation and world building within it. Keen to pick up the next ones.

Book 42: Growl by Elaine Pierson
Date Finished: 12.11.14
Rating: 3/5
Number of pages: 256
Total pages this year: 12,601
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A good story let down by some average writing and characterisation in places. The romance and love triangle felt forced in some places, but panned out okay. Overall a good story, may move on to the next one.

Book 43: Nefarious Doings by Ilsa Evans
Date Finished: 25.11.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 298
Total pages this year: 12,899
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A great little read! I loved the Australian setting and felt it wasn't over done or put on. Just a nice, realise Aussie family in a small town. A few of the family aspects were a stretch, and I was a bit confused about what husband (I thought he was dead!) but otherwise really good and I will be getting on to the next ones!

Book 44: Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis
Date Finished: 28.11.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of pages: 279
Total pages this year: 13,178
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A good twist of the vampire genre, though the romance seemed to move a little to fast at times. A few unbelievable moments, but overall a good read.

Book 45: Bonded by Mande Mathews
Date Finished: 09.12.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of pages: 286
Total pages this year: 13,464
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Picked this up quickly after I read the prequel and really enjoyed it. God settling, good story, good characters. Nice epic ending, though I was a bit confused as to who was off wear at the end. Will keep going with this one!

Book 46: Ivory by F.M. Sherrill
Date Finished: 16.12.14
Rating: 4/5
Number of pages: 300
Total pages this year: 13,764
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was a good read, picked up as a freebie because I needed more booked that started with 'I'. An interesting story, diverse characters and a good message.

Book 47: 44 by Jools Sinclair
Date Finished: 17.12.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 158
Total pages this year: 13,922
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A nice short read, though it would have benefited from a few thousand more words to extend some scenes and deal with some issues more effectively. But a good story and a great twist at the end - did not see that one coming!

Book 48: Dragonclaw by Kate Forsyth
Date Finished: 18.12.14
Rating: 5/5
Number of pages: 517
Total pages this year: 14,439
Read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was a gift from a friend, and a great read! Long, but very detailed, with a great magical world and a host of interesting characters and creatures. The Scottish accent was difficult at first but by the end I was loving that feature! Looking forward to reading the next one.