Graphic Novel Review of They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott & Illustrated by Harmony Becker

Read for: Borrowed Books/ Graphic Novel

Synopsis: "A graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself.

Long before George Takei braved new frontiers in Star Trek, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father's -- and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future.

In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten "relocation centers," hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard.

They Called Us Enemy is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future."

My Review: I have been wanting to read this one for a while and was able to pick it up at my library. Takei and his family and thousands of others experience one of the truly ugly parts of US history, and even though I grew up only a couple hundred miles from one of the "centers" it wasn't covered in history classes at all. It was only upon my own personal research and reading that I found out about it. This was a great format in which to tell the story so many lived. The illustrations both showed the adventure from a child's eyes as well as the bleak outlook from the adult eyes. The story does a great job of conveying the experience of a child but with later knowledge as an adult. It is approachable for all ages and is an important story to read.

My Rating: This was so beautifully done, both the story and illustrations, and so important to read as well.  It is a part of our history that is too often glazed over.   I give it a rating of Four Paws!

Bedtime Story: Bon Voyage, Mister Rodriguez by Christiane Duchesne & Illustrated by François Thisdale

Read for: Requested Review/ Netgalley/ Children's Books

Synopsis: "A growing number of curious children discover their village’s most enigmatic figure has an unexpectedly beautiful job to do.

Every afternoon at four o’clock, Mister Rodriguez steps out of a narrow laneway and strolls through the street. The village children watch him go, ever more curious about the enigmatic old man with the bushy white mustache. Some say they’ve seen him float above the ground. Others say he played a piano without touching a single key. The truth, though, is more beautiful than any of the children could have imagined. Author Christiane Duchesne and TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award-winning illustrator François Thisdale bring a touching story to life with delicacy and heart."

My Review:  I was intrigued by the synopsis for this book and the artwork looked amazing. I was not wrong about the art, it is absolutely stunning. The story however left much to be desired. There is much promised in the synopsis about finding out what this mysterious character's job is, but we never fully find out. Much is left open to interpretation, but honestly I think it is left too open, especially for younger audiences. We follow the kids as they spy on Mr. Rodriguez each day at 4:00, as he does something a bit magical each day with an unusual companion. Then the story pretty much abruptly ends. It looks as if Mr. Rodiguez is possibly a guardian or guide for the spirits of pets but it isn't very clear. I almost felt like I was missing several pages of the story, and was left a bit confused. As someone who has a child who thinks very literally, I think this would be completely beyond his grasp and he would be just as confused as I am and it would lead to boredom. Maybe more creative thinking kids would enjoy it more.

My Rating: I really wanted to like this story, the illustrations were beautiful and I think I like the idea the story is trying to convey but it was just left a little too vague, especially for the younger audiences.  I give it a rating of Two Paws.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about Christiane Duchesne you can check out their Goodreads Page.

Bon Voyage, Mister Rodriguez was released in the fall and you can obtain your own copy in print from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or check at your local library to see if it works better for you and your young readers.

Review of Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire

Read for: Requested Review/ Netgalley

Review of Previous Books in the Wayward Children Series:

Every Heart a Doorway

Down Among the Sticks and Bones

Beneath the Sugar Sky

In An Absent Dream

Synopsis: "When Jack left Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children she was carrying the body of her deliciously deranged sister--whom she had recently murdered in a fit of righteous justice--back to their home on the Moors.

But death in their adopted world isn't always as permanent as it is here, and when Jack is herself carried back into the school, it becomes clear that something has happened to her. Something terrible. Something of which only the maddest of scientists could conceive. Something only her friends are equipped to help her overcome.

Eleanor West's "No Quests" rule is about to be broken.

Again."

My Review:  I think the fun part about this series is imagining which world you would do well or which would suit you best. Besides the Goblin Market, the Moors would probably suit me best. I have really enjoyed every time we have gotten to follow Jack and Jill's adventures on the other side of their door, and this was just a step up. I loved the expansion of the Moors setting and it was great to have so many of my favorite characters on a forbidden quest. As the Moors are a particularly dark world, it is a bit spooky and gruesome and may not be for everyone, but my Frankenstein loving heart really enjoyed it!

My Rating: I so enjoyed this book, while it may not be a favorite in the series, I still loved revisiting the Moors and also getting to see some favorite characters again. I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the above is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about Seanan McGuire and her other books on her Goodreads Page or Website.

Come Tumbling Down was just released on January 7th and you can obtain your own copy now in print or digital format (along with the rest of the books in the series) from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or check at your local library or bookstore. 

Review of The Snow Bear by Holly Webb

Read for: Requested Review/Netgalley

Synopsis: "As the snow begins to fall just days before Christmas, Grandad helps Sara build an igloo in the garden, and Sara sculpts a small polar bear to watch over it. What could be more exciting than sleeping outside under the stars? But when Sara wakes up in the middle of the night, she finds that the igloo is no longer in the garden."

My Review:  I love folktale like stories and this one sounded like it was along those lines, so I was excited to pick it up. It was longer than I expected but it was a great read for a snowy winter afternoon. I loved the way Webb integrated a modern story with a folk tale like story. Young readers will enjoy the adventure and at the same time will be learning about life in the arctic circle. I also appreciate all the facts and information at the end of the story, about animals and human life as well as some history and information about the Inuit culture. The illustrations are simple and yet beautiful throughout the story. This would be a great book for young readers around the age of 6-8 but can be enjoyed by all.

My Rating: I really enjoyed reading this one, it was so atmospheric. It was a great adventure with a mix of learning opportunities.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about Holly Webb and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website.

The Snow Bear was just released in the fall so you can obtain your own copy now in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or ask for it at your favorite bookstore or local library.

2019 Challenge Wrap Up

I know I am super late with this wrap up, we are already mid January and I haven't even started planning my challenges for 2020.  To get me motivated and to give you an update on how I finished out the year (and help me start getting my stats in order for last year) here is a full wrap up of all my challenges from 2019.

Children's Books - COMPLETE

I had a goal to read 30-40 books for this challenge.  Munchkin has pretty much outgrown picture books and while we still enjoy one every once in a while, and I still read to my younger nieces as well.  I still managed to complete this challenge, barely, but I do plan to continue reading Children's books, I love sharing them with you in my weekly Bedtime Stories. 

1. Rocket Writes a Story
2. Aine's Winter Walk
3. Pete the Cat's Got Class
4. Where Horses Run Free
5. How Many Tow Trucks can a Tow Truck Tow
6. The Panda Problem
7. Zen Shorts
8. P is for Pterodactyl
9. Aliens Love Underpants
10. The Magic is in You
11. Everyone Loves Bacon
12. Silence Slips In
13. The Rabbit Listened
14. Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map
15. Pirasaurs!
16. Give Me Back My Bones!
17. The Pirate Queen
18. Pirates in Pajamas
19. Thunder Horse
20. The Word Collector
21. I will Fight Monsters for You
22. Crankenstein
23. Frankenstein A Parody
24. In November
25. Does Frankenstein Get Hungry?
26. Construction Site on Christmas Night
27. The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need
28. A Christmas Advent Story
29. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever
30. One Wild Christmas
31. The Boring Book

Early Reader Books

Like the Children's Book Challenge, I had a goal of 30-40 books but I just couldn't quite get there. Again, Munchkin has completely blown past the early reader books and jumped fully into chapter and Middle Grade books.  I think in the future I will only read a few of these and lump them in with the Children's books.  I guess all the time and money I spent on developing a full shelf in my library on these books was a bit of a waste, I did however donate a bunch of them to my public library where hopefully more kids can enjoy them.

1. Zog
2. Stick Man
3. Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate
4. Start Your Engines
5. Mr. Putter & Tabby Drop the Ball
6. Newt
7. Fox the Tiger
8. Pete the Cat and the Tip Top Tree House
9. Get a Hit Mo
10. Pearl & Wagner: 5 Days Till Summer
11. Minions: Who's the Boss?
12. The Innings and Outs of Baseball
13. The Bike Lesson
14. Pirate Attack
15. Backpacks!
16. Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report
17. Lunch or What's That?
18. Mr. Putter & Tabby Catch the Cold
19. I am Thankful
20. Special Gifts

Graphic Novel - COMPLETE

I set my goal for this challenge at 25 books, hoping to be able to post one every other weekend.  I definitely managed to complete this challenge.  I have really started to find my stride with Graphic Novels, and it has been great now that my library has added an Adult Graphic Novel section! 

1. Birthright Vol. 1: Homecoming
2. Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur Vol. 1: BFFs
3. Jim Hensen's The Storyteller
4. Aquicorn Cove
5. 100 Hugs
6. The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins
7. Book Love
8. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea
9. Saga Vol. 8
10. Saga Vol. 9
11. Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Vol. 2
12. Roller Girl
13. The Black Bull of Norroway
14. The Iliad
15. Sea Sirens
16. Princeless Vol. 2: Get Over Yourself
17. Hephaistos: God of Fire
18. Princeless Vol. 3: Pirate Princess
19. Compass South
20. To Build a Fire
21. The Sticky Rice Caper
22. Red Thorn: Glasgow Kiss
23. Girl from the Other Side Vol. 1
24. Quiet Girl in a Noisy World
25. Girl from the Other Side Vol. 2
26. Tea Dragon Festival
27. Plum Crazy Vol. 1
28. Gris Grimly's Frankenstein
29. Lore of Olympus
30. Pumpkinheads
31. Klaus Vol. 2
32. A Walk One Winter Night
33. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse

Audio Book Challenge - COMPLETE

For the audio book challenge, I set a goal of 50 audio books, as you can see that really wasn't much of a challenge for me!  It is funny to think that just a few years ago, I didn't read any audio books and now they make up a major part of my reading.  I wouldn't be able to read nearly as many books each year without them. I love them during Munchkin's sport practices, I can still watch but be reading at the same time. I am much less road-raging in the car and don't mind sitting in traffic. The laundry and dishes are so much more tolerable with an audio book going.  Thank goodness for audio books!!

1. Nightchaser
2. The Poppy War
3. Spinning Silver
4.  Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
5. Uprooted
6. The Thief
7. The Queen of Attolia
8. The Cruel Prince
9. Conspiracy of Kings
10. Thick as Thieves
11. The One and Only Ivan
12. Homer's Odyssey
13. The Crossover
14. Swindle
15. The Last
16. Artificial Condition
17. Warrior of the Wild
18. Queen's Shadow
19. The Wicked King
20. Hello Universe
21. City of Ghosts
22. Malice
23. A Court of Thorns and Roses
24. Foundryside
25. The Princess and the Fangirl
26. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
27. Things My Son Needs to Know About the World
28. Trail of Lightning
29. In an Absent Dream
30. A Long Walk to Water
31. Beyond a Darkened Shore
32. Her Royal Highness
33. Proud: Living My American Dream
34. Once & Future
35. Crazy Rich Asians
36. Midsummer's Mahyem
37. Till There Was You
38. The Kingdom
39. Lost Boy
40. Queen of Ruin
41. Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Pirates
42. Treasure Island
43. The Storyteller
44. Stepsister
45. Holy Sister
46. A Monster Calls
47. The Princess, The Scoundrel & the Farm Boy
48. Kingdom of Exiles
49. Turning Darkness into Light
50. A Hero Born
51. Annihilation
52. The Picture of Dorian Gray
53. The Blacksmith Queen
54. Capturing the Devil
55. The Sasquatch Escape
56. The Lonely Lake Monster
57. Mrs. Miracle Christmas
58. Christmas Angels
59. The Sandcastle Empire
60. Boots on the Ground
61. You Can Thank Me Later
62. Catching Christmas
63. Loving My Actual Christmas
64. Winterhouse
65. Christmas Town
66. The Christmas Star
67. The Christmas Pact

Classic Books

I set out this year to read 5 classics, I only managed 3 but I am still happy with that.  Throughout this year I have really been working on coming to terms with my reading.  I used to constantly look at those lists of 100 books you should read before this age, or before you die and I would have read maybe 40-50 of them and I would push myself to read more, even though I wasn't enjoying them.  This year I have kind of determined that while some of my all time favorite books are classics, it doesn't mean I should force myself to read other books I don't enjoy.  I will still try to pick up a few classics throughout the years but I am not going to make it a point or force myself to read them.

1. Treasure Island
2. The Picture of Dorian Gray
3. The Nutcracker


Big Books
I have so many books over 500 pages sitting on my shelves, books that I know I will enjoy once I start them, so this year I set a goal of 10 books over 500 pages.  I didn't quite make it this year but I have found that nearly every book I pick up that is over 500 pages, I really, really enjoy.  I am looking forward to continue working on reading these bigger books.

1. The Poppy War
2. The Mountain's Call
3. Malice
4. A Court of Mist and Fury
5. Foundryside
6. Crazy Rich Asians
7. The Storyteller
8. Valor

RI Authors

I really enjoy supporting my local authors and usually host an entire month dedicated to the authors in my state.  This year I was trying to reduce the amount of stress I put on myself so opted not to do my RI author month. Sadly, as a result I didn't find myself reaching for those books written by my local authors.  While I don't think I will host RI Author month again, I do want to make sure I am reaching for those books more often, especially as a lot of them are self published.

1. Aine's Winter Walk
2. Secret Hunger

Borrowed Books - COMPLETE

Last year I started going to my library more often, especially now that Munchkin has his own library card and enjoys it as well. I set a goal of 30 borrowed books this year and I definitely met that goal. I still want to continue pushing myself to read more library books and purchase less books overall.

1. Odd and the Frost Giants
2. Crenshaw
3. Shadows from the Past
4. Deadly Identity
5. Boo's Dinosaur
6. Love That Dog
7. Be Mine
8. The World According to Humphrey
9. The Crossover
10. The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins
11. Hello Universe
12. Exit Strategy
13. Craving Her Mates
14. Roller Girl
15. In an Absent Dream
16. A Long Walk to Water
17. Saving Winslow
18. Proud: Living My American Dream
19. Princeless Vol. 2: Get Over Yourself
20. Pirate Puppies: Stowaway
21. Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Pirates
22. X Marks the Spot
23. To Build a Fire
24. Escape the Sea
25. Love the Sea
26. Princeless Vol. 3: Pirate Princess
27. Compass South
28. Save the Sea
29. Annihilation
30. Poisoned Apples
31. Pumpkin Heads
32. Lore of Olympus
33. Catching Christmas
34. Winterhouse
35. Esther's Gift
36. The Mitford Snowmen

Re-Reads 

Even though I have an insane number of new books waiting to be read on my shelf, I have also had a lot of my old favorites just screaming to be re-read.  I had wanted to read 15 this year but didn't quite make that but got close and it is a start in the direction of not feeling guilty re-reading instead of picking up a new book.

1. Catwings
2. Warprize
3. Warsworn
4. Warlord
5. Warcry
6. The Mountain's Call
7. A Court of Thorns and Rose
8. A Court of Mist and Fury
9. Fire
10. Catwings Return
11. Queen of Blood

Beat the Backlist - COMPLETE

I had set out to read 75 backlist books, while I had hoped to read only ones I owned, I did in the end add in the books I borrowed as well.  Admittedly, I was really bad about linking up on the host page (one of my goals for the new year) but over all I am very happy with my balance of new releases and back list books.
1. The Poppy War
2. My Lady's Choosing
3. I'd Rather Be Reading
4. Spinning Silver
5. Even the Darkest Stars
6. Uprooted
7. The Thief
8. The Queen of Attolia
9. The King of Attolia
10. A Conspiracy of Kings
11. Homer's Odyssey
12. Refugee
13. Animal Adventures
14. School Days
15. Laura & Nellie
16. Malice
17. Beyond a Darkened Shore
18. Nate the Great and the Missing Key
19. Pagan the Black
20. Five Years Gone
21. The Storm Crow (counting this because I received it last year)
22. The Storyteller
23. Treasure Island
24. Odd and the Frost Giants
25. Crenshaw
26. Shadows from the Past
27. Cruel Prince
28. Love that Dog
29. The One and Only Ivan
30. Deadly Identity
31. Hello Universe
32. The Crossover
33. The World According to Humphrey
34. The Last
35. Artificial Condition
36. The Night Masquerade
37. Home
38. Rogue Protocol
39. Exit Strategy
40. The Wild Robot
41. Swindle
42. Foundryside
43. Rhapsodic
44. Trials of Morrigan Crow
45. Seals Honor
46. Trail of Lightning
47. A Long Walk to Water
48. A Strange Hymn
49. Saving Winslow
50. Necessary Force
51. Proud: Living My American Dream
52. Irresistible Force
53. Emperor of the Evening Stars
54. Crazy Rich Asians
55. Strange Case of the Missing Moonstone
56. Pirate Stories
57. Lost Boy
58. Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Pirates
59. A Monster Calls
60. A New Hope
61. Annihilation
62. Strange Star
63. The Resurrectionist
64. The Picture of Dorian Gray
65. The Lonely Lake Monster
66. Poisoned Apples
67. The Sasquatch Escape
68. Secret Hunger
69. The Sandcastle Empire
70. Boots on the Ground
71. Nocturnal
72. Catching Christmas
73. Loving My Actual Christmas
74. Winterhouse
75. Valor
76. Christmas Town
77. The Christmas Star
78. Esther's Gift
79. The Mitford Snowmen
80. The Nutcracker




The Never Ending Series
After so many years of binge reading series, I can't believe I failed to even complete this one series! I think maybe the years of being able to binge read an entire series without being distracted might be over.  I do only have 2 books left in this series that I hope to finish this year.
Warland Chronicles: Book1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4,

Recently Added to Shelves

So I had planned to purchase less than 200 books this year and try to keep up with reading them. Clearly I failed on the purchasing less than 200 books and I did keep up when I didn't go on a shopping spree. I only managed to read 52% of the books I purchased throughout the year and I particularly struggled to keep up with the incoming books October-December.  A lot of that had to do with the fact that I already had my TBR set for the end of the year.  I think my main struggle with this challenge was the BookOutlet shopping sprees.  I often ended up adding random books to my cart to make that free shipping mark or just because they were so cheap and the covers looked cool, not that I had any plans to read them any time soon.  So I really need to avoid going to that site, even when there are big sales!

1. Dragon of Ash & Stars - (Jan./ Jan.) DNF

2. The Snow Gypsy (Jan./ ) - UNHAUL

3. Book Nerds & Boyfriends (Jan./Feb. ) *

4. WarDance (Jan/ )

5. Warsong (Jan./ )

6. The Only Harmless Great Thing (Jan/Jan.)

7. Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego (Jan./ Jan.)

8. Lost Boy (Jan/July)

9. Year One (Jan/ )

10. Girl Who Drank the Moon (Jan/ )

11. King of Scars (Jan/ ) - UHAUL

12. Dactyl Hill Squad (Feb./)

13. The Darkdeep  (Feb./) - UNHAUL

14. Voices (Feb./Feb.) 

15. Wicked King (Feb./March) 

16. Lord of the Fading Lands (Feb./)

17. Crown of Feathers (Feb./)

18. Argos: The Story of Odysseus as told by his Loyal Dog (Feb./)

19. 100 Hugs (Feb./ Feb.) 

20. Binti 2: Home (Feb./March)

23. Binti 3: Night Masquerade (Feb./March) 

24. Artificial Condition (Feb./March)

25. Rogue Protocol (Feb./March)

26. Trial of Lightening  (Feb./ May) 

27. The Last (Endling) (Feb./March)

28. Aquicorn Cove (Feb./Feb.) 

29. Thick as Thieves (Feb./ Feb.)

30. Aru Shah and the End of Time (March/) - DNF

31. Foundryside (March/ April)
32. Wundersmith (March/) - UNHAUL 
33. City of Ghosts (March/March) 
34. Saga Vol. 8 (March/ April)
35. Saga Vol. 9 (March/April)
36. Warrior of the Wild (March/March)
37. Book Love (March/March)
38. Queen's Shadow (March/March) 
39. A Curse So Dark and Lonely (March/May) 
40. Shadow of Doubt (March/)
41. Gates of Stone (March/)
42. In Her Sights (March/April)
43. Nevermoor (March/May)  
44. A Conspiracy of Truths (March/)

45. The Wild Robot (March/March)  

46. The Resurrectionist (March/October) 

47. Viper (April/)

48. Vortex Visions (April/) - UNHAUL

49. Through the White Wood (April/)

50. Descendant of the Crane (April/)

51. The Princess and the Fangirl (April/April)

52. Holy Sister (April/September)

53. Rhapsodic (April/May) 

54. A Strange Hymn (April/May) 

55. The Emperor of Evening Stars (April/June)

56. Dark Harmony (April/)

57. The Black Bull of Norroway (April/May) 

58. We Rule the Night (April/) - UNHAUL

59. The Unbound Empire (April/)

60. The Opposite of Always (May/) - UNHAUL

61. The Sea Queen(May/)

62. The Mountain of Kept Memory(May/)

63. Metamorphica (May/)

64. Misfits of Avalon Vol. 1 (May/)

65. Misfits of Avalon Vol. 2 (May/)

66. The Sea King (May/)

67. Ride Hard (May/)

68. Ride Rough (May/)

69. Ride Wild (May/)

70. Irresistible Force (May/June)

71. Force of Attraction (May/) - UNHAUL

72. Primal Force (May/) - UNHAUL

73. Rival Forces (May/) - UNHAUL

74. A Rogue by Any Other Name (May/)

75. A Scot in the Dark (May/)

76. The Day of the Duchess (May/)

77. The Pirate Bride (May/)

78. Pirate Stories (May/July) 

79. Man Made Boy (May/)

80. This Monstrous Thing (May/) DNF

81. The Case of the Missing Moonstone (May/June) 

82. Dear Santa (May/)

83. An Endless Christmas (May/)

84. Christmas Magic (May/)

85. Falling Softly (May/)

86. Christmas Town (May/November) 

87. The Christmas Star (May/December) 

88. Crazy Rich Asians (May/June) 

89 Once and Future (May/June)

90. Highland Crown (May/) - DNF/UNHAUL

91. Her Royal Highness (May/May) 

92. Things My Son Needs to Know About the World (May/May) 

93. Seal's Honor (May/May) 

94. Gris Grimly's Frankenstein (June/October)

95. The Case of the Counterfeit Criminals (June/) - UNHAUL

96. The Case of the Perilous Palace (June/) - UNHAUL

97. The Strange Case of the Alchemists Daughter (June/) - DNF

98. The Beholder (June/) - UNHAUL

99. Lovestruck (June/) - UNHAUL

100. We Hunt the Flame (June/)

101. Romanov (June/) - UNHAUL

102. Dark Shores (June/ June)

103. Dreaming the Bear (June/)

104. A New Hope (June/September)

105. The Trial of Joan of Arc (June/) - DNF

106. Midsummer's Mayhem (June/July)

107. Monsters (June/)

108. The Monsters We Deserve (June/October)

109. Strange Star (June/September)

110. Hephaistos: God of Fire (June/July)

111. Ghostly Tales from the Lost Summer of 1816 (June/)

112. Till There was You (June/July)

113. Sea Sirens (June/June)

114. The Bride Test (June/August)

115. The Kingdom (June/July)

116. Storm and Fury (July/) - UNHAUL

117. Queen of Ruin (July/July)

118. Stepsister (July/August)

119. The Lost Vintage (July/) - UNHAUL

120. Becoming the Dark Prince (July/July)

121. Kingdom of Exiles (July/September)

122. The Beckoning Shadow (July/) - UNHAUL

123. The Thankful Unicorn (July/September)

124. Star Wars: Pirate Price (July/August)

125. Spin the Dawn (July/July)

126. Clue by Clue (August/August)

127. Honeybees and Frenemies (August/)

128 The Sticky Rice Caper (August/August)

129. Lando's Luck (August/August) 

130. Turning Darkness into Light (August/September)

131. A Monster Calls (August/September)

132. Master & Apprentice (August/) 

134. The Chosen (August/)

135. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend (August/)

136. Mortal Engines (August/)

137. Evvie Drake Starts Over (August/)

138. Merciful Crow (August/) - UNHAUL

139. The Bridge Kingdom (August/)

140. Girl From the Other Side Vol. 2 (August/September)

141. The Girl from the Other Side Vol. 1 (September/September)

142. Darkdawn (September/)

143. The Girl the Sea Gave Back (September/ August)

144. A Crash of Fate (September/)

145. Black Spire (September/)

146. Capturing the Devil (September/October)

147. The Testaments (September/)- UNHAUL

148. Quiet Girl in a Noisy World (September/September)

149. Plum Crazy Vol. 1 (September/September) 

150. The Missing Bookshop (September/October)

151. Tea Dragon Festival (September/September) 

152. The Warrior Moon (September/)

153. A Thousand Roads Home (September/October)

154. The Sasquatch Escape (September/ October)

155. The Lonely Lake Monster (September/October)

156. Ink (October/)

157. The Blacksmith Queen (October/October)

158. Klaus Vol. 2 (October/ November)

159. Molly and the Cat Cafe (October/)

160. Plum Crazy Vol. 2 (October/)

161. Plum Crazy Vol. 3 (October/)

162. Plum Crazy Vol. 4 (October/)

163. A Walk One Winter Night (October/November)

164. Loving My Actual Christmas (October/November)

165. A Family Under the Christmas Tree (October/) 

166. The White Christmas Inn (October/)

167. There Will Come a Darkness (October/)

168. Shadow Frost (October/)

169. How to Love a Duke in 10 Days (October/)

170. How to Catch a Wicked Viscount (October/)

171. Faker (October/)

172. Three Days on a Train (October/)

173. Destiny of the Wolf (October/)

174. Leave the Lights On (October/)

175. Marshmallows and Mistletoe (October/)

176. Cocoa & Carols (October/)

177. The Prince's Son (October/)

178. At Last (October/)

179. The Last Huntsman (October/)

180. Forgotten Love (October/)

181. Mae's Cafe (October/)

182. Within the Captain's Hold (October/)

183. Elusive Dreams (October/)

184. Christmas & Cannolis (October/)

185. Fated Mates (October/)

186. Take My Breath Away (October/)

187. Stolen by the Viking (October/)

188. Destroyed by Magic (October/)

189. Abducted by Magic (October/)

190. Rise Like a Goddess (October/)

191. Out Like a Goddess (October/)

192. Finding Her Dragons (October/)

193. Freeing Her Dragons (October/)

194. When the Lady Lies (November/)

195. Nocturnal (November/November) 

196. The Guinevere Deception (November/November)

197. You Can Thank Me Later (November/November)

198. The Bromance Book Club  (November/)

199. Christmas Camp (December/) 

200. Cowboy, It's Cold Outside (December/) 

201. His Cowboy Heart (December/) 

202. Pride and Prometheus (December/) 

203. Stone Cold Cowboy (December/) 

204. Sugar (December/) 

205. The Belgariad Vol. 2 (December/) 

206. The Mad Scientists Daughter (December/) 

207. The Season of Us (December/)  

208. The Way Home (December/) 

209. The Good Ones (December/) 

210. The Christmas Keeper (December/) 

211. Royal Holiday (December/) 

212. A Royal Christmas Wish (December/December) 

213. A Piece of the World -(December/)  UNHAUL

214. All I Want for Christmas is a Werewolf (December/ December) 

215. The Boy The Mole The Fox and the Horse(December/December) 

216. The Very Very Far North (December/) 

217. Little Women (December/) 

218. Secret Sisters (December/) 

219. Love and Other Consolation Prizes -(December/)  UNHAUL

220. Not the Girl You Marry (December/) 

221. For the Killing of Kings (December/) 

222. Something Red (December/) 

223. Darien (December/) 

224. Shiang (December/) 

225. Spine of the Dragon (December/) 

226. The Blackest Heart (December/) 

227. The Queen of Swords (December/) 

228. The Stone in the Skull (December/) 

229. The Winter of Ice and Iron (December/) 

230. Black Storm Comin' (December/) 

231. Dragonshadow (December/) 

232. Skinner Luce (December/) 

234. The Summer Dragon (December/) 

235. Winter of the Witch (December/) 

Requested Reviews

I had planned on accepting no more than 25 requested reviews this last year, but it is so hard to say no to such exciting books coming out.  I am also on some blog tour/blitz lists now and get some amazing opportunities that are hard to turn down.  This last year I came close to having an ARC review for each week, which is just insane.  (I am hoping to limit these a little bit better in 2020 but it isn't looking so good there so far either, there are just too many fantastic books out there!)
1. Nightchaser (2018 Request)
2. White Stag (2018 Request)
3. Ruin of Kings Sampler (2018 Request) - DNF
4. Princess Puffybottom and Darryl - (Netgalley)
5. The Dysasters (Direct Request)
6. The Panda Problem (Direct Request)
7. Wicked Saints (Direct Request)
8. The Unicorn Anthology (Netgalley)
9. Her Royal Highness Sampler (Netgalley)
10. Printed Letter Bookshop (Netgalley)
11. Untitled (Netgalley)
12. Sniper's Pride (Penguin First to Read)
13. The Iliad (Netgalley)
14. My Corner of the Ring (Blog Tour- Direct Request)
15. Manticore's Vow (Netgalley)
16. Sea Sirens (Direct from Publisher- Unsolicited)
17. Spin the Dawn (Netgalley)
18. Window on the Bay (Netgalley)
19. Unbreak Me (Penguin First to Read)
20. One Year Home ( Direct Request)
21. Don't Let the Beasties Escape this Book (Netgalley)
22. Red Dove, Listen to the Wind (Netgalley
23. The Book Charmer (Netgalley) - DNF
24. Girl the Sea Gave Back (Netgalley)
25. Truth About Cowboys (Netgalley)
26. Thankful Unicorn (Pump Up Your Book)
27. A Hero Born (Netgalley)
28. Dragons in the Clouds (Pump Up YouR Book)
29. Clueless Cabot (Netgalley)
30. It's a Christmas Thing (Netgalley)
31. Postcards From a War (Netgalley)
32. A Mrs. Miracle Christmas (Netgalley)
33. Christmas Angels (Netgalley)
34. Christmas Calendar Girls (Netgalley) - DNF
35. The Scrooge of Loon Lake (Netgalley)
36. The Guinevere Deception (Netgalley)
37. 'Twas the Night (Pump Up Your Book)
38. Let it Snow (Netgalley)
39. Coming Home for Christmas (Pump Up Your Book)
40. Cowboy Christmas Redemption (Pump Up Your Book)
41. Heartsong's Missing Foal (Netgalley)
42. Fireborne (Netgalley)




So there is the wrap up of all the challenges I set for myself in 2019.  Some I was very successful with and others it appears that I have fallen out of love with reading.  This will definitely help me with deciding on my challenges for the new year.   How did you do on your challenges last year?