Challenge Books

So this past week, I've not read as much as I wanted to because I've had a series of headaches, so my eyes have not wanted to focus on my kindle :(. Hopefully I'll get rid of it soon because I am currently a couple pages into the book Angel Evolution and want to finish it . But for the moment I thought I would post a list of the books I hope to read for the Australian Women Writers Reading Challenge. 

Books to read for the Australian Women's Writer's reading challenge:

1. Campaign Ruby - Jessica Rudd
2. Full Moon Rising - Keri Arthur
3. The Blood Countess - Tara Moss
4. The Ancient Future - Traci Harding
5. Fetish - Tara Moss
6. Obernewtyn - Isobelle Carmody

7. Rider's war: Battle for today - MA Clarke 

8. Beautiful malice - Rebecca James

9. Burn Bright - Marianne De Pierres
10. Territory - Judy Nunn
11. Beyond fear - Jaye Ford
12. The magicians guild - Trudi Canavan

13. The charm bracelet - Emily Rodda

14. Looking for alibrandi - Melina Marchetta

15. Scarlet Stiletto - The First Cut - edited by Lindy Cameron

16. Embrace - Jessica Shirvington

17. Triple ripple, a fabulous fairy-tale - Brigid Lowry
18. Blood song - Rhiannon Hart
19. The kings bastard - Rowena Cory Daniels

20. White tiger - kylie Chan
21. Team human - Justine Larbalestier

22.  witch song - Kim Wilkins

23.  Heiress in love - Christina Brooke
24. Halo - Alexandra Adornetto   
25. The reformed vampire support group - Catherine Jinks

I know there are more books on here then I originally said I was going to do but I thought I'd do a larger list up so that I would have options. Also the more books could be incentive to read more. Here's hoping. 

Book Review: Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur

Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur



Good Reads summary: Like her twin brother, Rhoan, Riley Jensen is a dhampire, a rare hybrid of vampire and werewolf. By day, she toils at a menial office job; by night, vulnerable to "moon heat," she sometimes yields to an all-consuming need to mate. When Rhoan disappears, Riley discovers that following your instincts can lead you into some very strange places.

My thoughts:  I liked it. I know there were some reviews on good reads that trash this book but I actually liked it. It was well written. It was fast paced with a large chunk of action and a dash of romance (including a few supernatural sex scenes).

The fact that it's written in first person allows the reader to connect straight away with the main character Riley Jenson. Which for this type of story, is good because it explains so much more far easier then I think any other would. You feel for Riley and can get a better understanding the events as they unfold.

This was a different take on the werewolf/vampire tale. And I think that's what I liked about it. There was none of the stereotypical boy turns into monster at the full moon and goes on a killing spree. But rather beings with their sane minds in tact when they change. Nor was there any of the stereotypical vampires. These vampires are closer to what the myths tell us they were.


I liked the fact that the main female character could take care of herself in a fight and didn't need to rely soly on the males for protection. Strong female characters are good. And I liked that this one seemed to have a sense of what she was capable of and wasn't afraid to ask for help when she needed it. I also liked that the males just didn't take over for her, they knew she had skills and were willing to just support her and help if needed. I don't like books where the women are portrayed as weak, so this was good to see.


My only issue with the book was it left me with a few questions. I was rather pissed off with this because I wanted to know these things ended. I hate books that end with open plot lines or don't answer or explain what happened to certain characters. 

But then I reread the good reads page for the book and noticed it said Riley Jenson Guardian #1. Reading this I breathed a sigh of relief and realised that these plot lines were left open so that people would hang out for the next book in the series. A good idea to sell more books because you get readers like me who come to care for the characters and want to know how they end up, so we end up buying the next book to get that fix. 


I must say I became addicted to this book because I came to care for the characters and see what happens to them. I managed to finish this book in about two days because I wanted to know what happened to these characters. So I will definetly be looking to buy the next book in the series when I get paid next. Cant wait to see where the story goes next. 

In a nutshell:
Plot - pretty good, easy to follow, kept you guessing which was good.
Characters - well presented, easy to like/hate them. Though would have liked to know a bit more about a few of the secondary characters, so to better understand them and there parts better. 


Until next time


Jen