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| Artist: Melissa Nucera |
The first year in which I participated in this challenge, I did the first level quest, which was to read at least five books from any the four categories and I succeeded. The second year [just last year], I chose to do the third level quest which was to read a book from each category as well as a June reading or viewing of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. I failed. I blame my failure partly because I signed up for the challenge late [in May] and therefore didn't have enough time to finish two of the books, but also partly because I procrastinated reading Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. So I'll repeat this the challenge at this level again in hopes of meeting the challenge this time.
Below is a list of the books I'm considering for this year:
Fantasy: The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia A. McKillip [fantasy]
Fairy Tale: Cat's Tale: A Fairy Tale Retold by Bettie Sharpe [Puss in Boots retelling]
Folklore: If I Die by Rachel Vincent [banshees and reapers]
Mythology: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller [Greek mythology]
Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream
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| Artist: Melissa Nucera |
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| Artist: Melissa Nucera |
The stunning artwork for this year's event is by artist Melissa Nucera, whose artwork was also used for the Once Upon A Time IV in 2010, which I absolutely adored. Be sure to check out Melissa's beautiful artwork at her Etsy store, This Years Girl.
Are you in?
What are some of your favorite fantasy novels?
Ooh, this sounds tempting. I have not joined a challenge before and this one falls right in with the genres I love to read. And it is doable! Hm, I may need to consider this one.
ReplyDeleteI don't do challenged because I never know how my weekly reading will go from one week to the next. (I tend to bounce around genres a lot.) Some of my favorite fantasy authors are Tanya Huff (especially the Enchanted Emporium and The Summoner books), and Nina Kiriki Hoffman, oh and Mercedes Lackey and Anne McCaffery. *g* The artwork for this challenge is gorgeous! I'll have to look at the links you've provided for her.
ReplyDeleteThe artwork for this challenge is amazing isn't it! I really struggled to pick which one to use!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to switching through the different pictures over the course of the challenge.
ReplyDeleteThis challenge seems to be awesome! And I hope you read Cat's Tale soon because I've heard is very good but I'm still on the fence about it :D
ReplyDeletegood luck with this challenge
@ Shannon ... Oh sign up! It would be great to have one of my "regular buddies" doing this one with me. We can keep each other on track. Maybe read Midsummer Night's Dream together. That would stop me from cheating and reading the graphic novel of said masterpiece. Woops. lol!
ReplyDelete@ Brandy ... I know what you mean. I read from all over the place, too, but I do really enjoy fantasy and it's only five books in three months so fairly doable. Hmm.. I haven't read anything by any of those fantasy authors you name, although I a have at least heard of three of them! That's a start!
@ Marg ... So glad you're doing this challenge too! Yay! As you can see, I couldn't help but use a version of all of Melissa's artwork used for this one. ;)
@ Kailana ... The artwork sure is stunning, isn't it?
I just clicked over to your blog. How is it that I've never visited you?! And I LOVE your blog header!!
@ Alex ... I'll let you know my impressions of Cat's Tale when I read it. I'm actually not familiar with the Puss in Boots tale so will do a little background research first, aka read about it on Wiki. ha!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to inquire about doing a sponsored blog post - about 150-300 words that talks a little bit about cars and automobiles and links back to our site http://www.infinitiom.com/. We are a car dealership and thought we might be a good fit for your readers/visitors on http://theromanticlife.blogspot.com
Here's a list of some blog post titles we've done in the past:
- What To Look For When Buying A New Car
- 2012 Cars That Look Good And Saves You Gas
- Reasons Why Buying New Cars Is Better Than Used
Our budget is around $15 for the post. Is this something you'd be open to?
Also we might be interested in a small banner ad if the price is right.
Our budget is $40/year - something like this:
http://postimage.org/image/t7wib2nbn/
Let me know if you'd be open to either or both of these.
Also if you have some other sites just send them over and we might be interested in doing a sponsored post on there as well!
Regards,
Phil
infinitimontclair@thebirdmail.com
All the best with the challenge! Favourite fantasy novels? Hmmm. Where to start? *grin* Sarah Monette's Doctrine of Labyrinths. Michelle Sagara's Cast series. Janny Wurts - she's written some amazing books, but my favourite is To Ride Hell's Chasm. To name but a few *grin*
ReplyDeleteWe are a car dealership and thought we might be a good fit for your readers/visitors on http://theromanticlife.blogspot.com
Huh? Because cars and romance just go together like...like...oil and water :)
Forgot one fnatasy series - Carol Berg's Lighthouse duology.
DeleteIt really is fatal to pop in to see what other people are reading for this challenge. :-) I love the sound of The Bell at Sealey Head and am now going to order it. I keep hearing about Patricia McKillip so I think it's time I read something by her!
ReplyDeleteI don't read a lot of fantasy, so I'm not a good one to ask.
ReplyDeleteLOL, it's like those games where you have to repeat the level until you succeed! :) Good luck Christine! :)
ReplyDeleteOh yay! You're reading Cat's Tale! Let me know how you like it!! I have it on my Kindle but haven't read it yet. Did you read Ember?!
ReplyDeleteAlso have Song of Achilles, if I have the time I'll read it this weekend ;-)
Good luck!!
@ Phil ... Thanks, but no thanks. This is a personal space and I don't feel strongly enough about your product to advertise for you here. Good luck.
ReplyDelete@ orannia ... I'm not familiar with any of those fantasy authors and novels you mention! I think I have some homework to do!
Yeah, I don't know what Phil was thinking!
@ Cath ... I know what you mean! I only visited a small handful of participants in this challenge and my list of books to read expanded! Let me know if you do end up reading Patricia McKillip's The Bell at Sealey Head so we can compare notes! My copy was given to me by a dear friend who reads a lot of fantasy.. knowing I have an affection for books with a touch of romance in them.
@ bermudaonion ... Fantasy isn't my go-to genre either, but every time I DO pick one up, I always seem to love it and think, "why don't I read more books like this?"
@ nath ... This is exactly like those games where you have to repeat the level until you succeed! I hope this time is it! I feel like Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream has been hanging over my head for over a year now! ;)
@ Brie ... I haven't read Ember yet, but remembered it's been on my list for FOREVER [or at least 3-4 years?] when I read your review. I'll let you know when I give Cat's Tale a whirl! Hopefully soon. :)
I'll probably get to Song of Achilles later. I have some new releases I want to get to first.
I can't wait to join in on this challenge as well! I always enjoy participating...I just need to come up with my pool of books to choose from. Good luck and have fun :)
ReplyDelete