Martha's 2018 Reading Summary and Favorites

I completed and exceeded my 2018 Goodreads Challenge of 160 by finishing 186 books.

This is a screen shot of my 2018 Year in Books and here is the link to the full report.

See below for my list of favorites.

I (just barely) met my NetGalley goal to read 50 NetGalley titles and finished the year with my NetGalley rating still at 91%.


Here is my 2018 Bible App Snapshot.
I started January 4 or 5.I finished four reading plans including the One Year Bible.



2018 Reading Breakdown:
Total TBR: 104
Total Audio: 106
Total NetGalley: 50
Total Author or Publicist Reviews: 19
eBooks (including TBR and Review, but not NetGalley): 24
Print books: 11
New Authors: 114
Books in Series: 115;
   Series Completed 2:

American Rising (3 books)
Sookie Stakehouse (book 13)

   Series Up To Date waiting for next book::

Destroymen Series Read 13
Charley Davidson Read 12

[The totals on these fall short of the 186 but they are close enough to give an idea of the genres I read.]
Fantasy, including horror, paranormal and urban: 52
Sci Fi, including dystopian and post apocalyptic: 44
Romantic, including Christian, Historical and Suspense: 30
Mystery, Thriller and Cozy: 20
Christian, Inspirational: 10
NonFiction: 9
Children/Middle Grade: 9
Historical Fiction: 6

AND HERE ARE THE MBS FAVORITES of 2018 Reading - listed in order read.
I apparently do a good job of picking titles I like since 41% rate 4.5 stars and higher. :-)
Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017

5 Star Reads - 13 out of 186 = 7%:

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Golden Son, Red Rising Trilogy, Book II, by Pierce Brown; Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 5.0.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Warship by Joshua Dalzelle; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
3. ATBR- Goodreads Audio Book Review: She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith; Classic, Poetry & Drama; my rating 5.0.
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Warship by Joshua Dalzelle; Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
5. PLBC- Book Review: Know Your Bible by Paul Kent; Christian, Inspirational, Religious; my rating 5.0.
6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2 by Stephen W. Bennett; Alien Invasion, Colonization, Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.
7. Goodreads Review ATBR- Audible Book Review: Beneath the Skin The Sam Hunter Case Files By Jonathan Maberry; Fantasy, Paranormal, Short story Collection; my rating 4.5 for story (language); Narration and Overall 5.0.
8. AB2018- Audiobook Review: The Quest for Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell; Jurisprudence, Non-Fiction, Social Studies; my rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
9. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: The Rancher's Gift by Dennis Worden and Jeff Dunn; Christian, Inspirational, Religion; my rating: 5.0 of 5.0.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson; Fantasy, Supernatural, Thriller; my rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.
11. A2018- Audible Book Review: How to Marry a Werewolf, A Claw & Courtship Novella, Book 1, by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance, Werewolves; my rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.
12. NG2018- When Spring Comes to the DMZ by Uk-Bae Lee (Author, Illustrator); 5.0
13. eBTBR- One Year Bible 5.0

4.75 Stars - 9 of 186 = 4.83%

1. NGTBR-#NetGalley Book Review: Rise of the Fallen: Wars of the Realm, Book 2 by Chuck Black; Action/Adventure, Christian, Fantasy; my rating 4.75.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor; Sci Fi; my rating 4.75.
3. NGTBR- #NetGalley Review: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip; Fantasy, Magical, Romance; my rating 4.75.
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb; Female Detective, Mystery; my rating 4.75.
5. Goodreads Review ATBR- Audible Book Review: Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force #1) by Craig Alanson; Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Space Marine; my rating 4.75.
6. PLBCTBR- Book Review: The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher; Amish, Christian, Romance; my rating 4.75.
7. 2018LBC Print- Book Review: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon; Contemporary Romance, Inspirational; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
8. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1) by Dana Marton; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
9. A2018- Audible Book Review: The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer; Fantasy, Historical, Mystery; my rating: Overall 4.75 of 5.0; Narration: 5.0 of 5.0.

4.5 Stars - 54 out of 186 = 29.18%

MBS 2018 Reading List - JANUARY

1. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List? by Jay Payleitner; Christian Living, Inspirational, Religion & Spirituality; my rating 4.5.
2. PTBR- Book Review: Seek and Destroy (America Rising) by William C. Dietz; Alternate History, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
3. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: A Gem of a Problem by Irene Sauman; Cozy Mystery, Historical; my rating 4.5.

MBS 2018 Reading List - FEBRUARY

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Brothers in Valor, Man of War, Book 3 by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera; my rating 4.5.
2. eBookAuthor- Book Review: The Billionaire's Sweet Valentine (Holiday Contest) by Laura L. Walker; Clean Romance, Holiday; my rating 4.5.
3. P-LBC- Book Review: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall; Amish, Romance; my rating 4.5.

MBS 2018 Reading List - MARCH

1. PLBCTBR- Book Review: When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall; Amish, Romance; my rating 4.5.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell; Mercantile, Sci Fi, Space Opera; my rating 4.5.
3. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: In Wolves' Clothing by Greg Levin; Crime Fiction, Thriller; my rating 4.5.

MBS 2018 Reading List - APRIL

1. ATBR- The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wild; my rating 4.5.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Devil's Due: Destroyermen, Book 12, by Taylor Anderson; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
3. 2018NG- #NetGalley Book Review: Out of the Box by Jemma Westing; Children, Crafts; my rating 4.5.
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Never Hero by T. Ellery Hodges; Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Time Travel; my rating 4.5.

MBS 2018 Reading List - MAY

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: NPCs by Drew Hayes; Fantasy, Humor; my rating 4.5.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Aspire by Kevin Hall; Communication, Inspirational, Self-Development; my rating 4.5.
3. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida; Adventure, Clockwork, Middle Grade, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Vanished Man: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver; Detective, Police Procedures; my rating 4.5.

MBS 2018 Reading List - JUNE

1. LBC-Book Review: Stranger Things by Erin Healy; Christian Suspense, Crime; my rating 4.5.
2. #NetGalley Book Review: The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman; Crime, Psychological Thrillers; my rating 4.5.
3. Goodreads Review 2018Author: Lance: A Spirit Unbroken by Walter Stoffel; Animal, Dog, Memoir; my rating 4.5.

MBS 2018 Reading List - JULY

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Heartless by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5; Narration 5.0.
2. NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: The After War by Brandon Zenner; Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.5.
3. A2018- #Audible Book Review: Frankenstein: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz; Horror; my Rating: Overall 4.5; Story 4.0 of 5.0; Narration 5.0.
4. A2018- Audible Book Review: Audible Book Review: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi; Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi; my rating: Overall 4.5; Story 4.5 of 5.0; Narrator 4.5 of 5.0.
5. Goodreads Review ATBR- Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller; Discipleship, Memoir; my rating Narration and Overall 4.5.
6. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1) by Amanda Greenslade; Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

MBS 2018 Reading List - AUGUST

1. Goodreads- A2018- Into the Storm (Iron Kingdoms) by Larry Correia, Ray Porter (Narrator); Fantasy, Military; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
2. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer by Ed Ryder; Noir, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
3. Goodreads- A2018- River of Bones (Destroyermen, #13) by Taylor Anderson (Goodreads Author), William Dufris (Narrator); Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
4. ATBR-Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
5. 2018eBook- Book Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
7. 2018Review- Book Review: The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern; Suspense Thriller; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
8. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles; Children, Dogs, Pets; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

MBS 2018 Reading List - SEPTEMBER

1. A2018- Audible Book Review: All These Worlds, Bobiverse Book 3, by Dennis E. Taylor; Military Space, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.
2. PTBRLBC - Book Review: Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert; Christian, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
3. A2018- Audible Book Review: The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown; Contemporary Romance, Small Town; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

MBS 2018 Reading List - OCTOBER

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3 by John Scalzi; Colonization, Genetic Engineering, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
2. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Back in the Saddle: A Novel (Double S Ranch Series, Book #1) by Ruth Logan Herne; Christian, Contemporary, Romance, Western; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Story and Narration.

MBS 2018 Reading List - NOVEMBER

1. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: For Us Humans by Steve Rzasa; Aliens, Christian, Futuristic, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hunter by Mercedes Lackey; Fantasy; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration.
3. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
4. eTBR- Book Review: Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance) by Christina Skye; Ghost, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

MBS 2018 Reading List - DECEMBER

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennet; Ghosts, Inspirational; My rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, 4.5 Story and 5.0 Narration.
2. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff by Dana K. White; Cleaning, Hoarding, How To; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
3. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Villains Rule (The Shadow Master Book 1) by M. K. Gibson; Fantasy, Humor, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, 4.25 Story and 5.0 Narration.
4. ATBR- Audible Book Review: All Systems Red by Martha Wells; AI, Sci Fi, Short Story; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, 4.5 Story and 5.0 Narration.
5. ATBR- Goodreads Audio Book Review: Gather ‘Round the Sound: Holiday Stories from Beloved Authors and Great Performers Across the Globe; Christmas; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, 4.25 Story and 5.0 Narration.
6. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Patience for Christmas: A Holiday Novella; Historical Romance, Holiday, Regency; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
7. NG2018 and A2018- #NetGalley and Audible Book Review: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones; Fantasy, Ghosts, Private Investigator; my rating: 4.5 Overall; 4.25 Story; 5.0 Narration.
8. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: 101 Chicken Keeping Hacks from Fresh Eggs Daily: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for You and your Hen by Lisa Steele; Animal Husbandry, DIY, Nonfiction, Reference; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
9. NG2018- A Book Without Dragons by Berrier, Olivia; 4.5
10. NG2018- Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice Book #3) by Nancy Mehl; 4.5
11. NG2018- Owl Love You by Matthew Heroux, Wednesday Kirwan (Illustrations); 4.5

MBS Best of 2014 Reading List

MBS Best of 2014 Reading List

I had 11 reads I rated as 5.0 out of the 156 read and reviewed. There were another 10 rated 4.75 so they are noted below also.

HERE ARE MY TOP FIVE PICKS:

1. Pure entertainment!

Audio Book Review: Dreamer's Pool: Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1 by Juliet Marillier; Fantasy; my rating: 5.0.

2. Edification and faith confirming.

Audio Book Review: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible by Arthur W. Pink; Nonficton/Religion; my rating 5.0. 

3. A surprising emotional and inspiring story.

Audio Review: Unwritten: A Novel by Charles Martin; Inspirational; my rating 5.0.

4. Inspiration and study.

Book Review: Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah; Inspirational, Spiritual; my rating 5.0.

5. Fascinating history/memoir narrative; told well.

Audio Book Review: Curve of Time by M. Wylie Blanchet; Memoir; my rating 5.0. 

THESE ARE THE NEXT SIX 5.0 rated books in order of date read:

1. Timely interest - current events with Biblical connection.

Audible Review: The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future by Jonathan Cahn; Christian Fiction; my rating 5.0.



2. Fiction Thriller.

Book Review: Sleeping Dogs by Tony Vanderwarker; Thriller; my rating 5.0.




3. Christian Fiction.

Book Review: Fair Play: a Novel by Deeanna Gist; Historical Romance, Inspirational; my rating 5.0. 




4. Contemporary Romance.

Book Review: Where Dreams Are Born (Angelo's Hearth) by M. L. Buchman; Contemporary  Romance; my rating 5.0.




5. Excellent ‘classic literature’ fiction.

Audible Book Review: Greenwillow by B.J. Chute; Classic Fiction; my rating 5.0.




6. Top in an entertaining series.

Audible Book Review: Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller, Mystery; my rating 5.0. 

More Wonderful Fiction Reading to Enjoy! - my 4.75 rated books:

1. Audible Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green; Young Adult; my rating 4.75.

2. Audible Book Review: Conspiracy in Death, Book 8 by J.D. Robb; Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.75.

3. Audio Book Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks; fantasy; my rating 4.75.

4. Audio Book Review: Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8 by Patricia Briggs; Urban Fantasy, Paranomral Romance; my rating 4.75.

5. Book Review: Issachar's Heirs by Brian Chilton;  Political Thriller, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.75. 

6. Audible Book Review: The Undead Pool: The Hollows Book 12 by Kim Harrison; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.75.

7. Book Review: Raptor 6 (The Quiet Professionals) by Ronie Kendig; Military Romance, Christian Fiction; my rating 4.75.

8. Book Review: The Escape (Survivor's Club) by Mary Balogh; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

9. Audible Book Review: Deadly Shores: Destroyermen Book 9 by Taylor Anderson; Science Fiction, Alternate World; my rating 4.75.  

10. Book Review: Priceless by Christina Dodd; Historical Romance; my rating 4.75.

MBS Favorite Books Read in 2011

I had a great year of reading with the majority of the books falling in the 4 plus range. In these favorites you may note that I recommend Authors as much as specific books!
This is to share for general and for one of my 2012 Challenges. 
HERE ARE MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS of Favorite reads from 2011 - They are in no particular order.

1.  Paranormal SciFi Romance: The Project Universe series by Pauline Baird Jones.  I recommend you start in order with Book 1, The Key. (I have not yet posted all of my reviews of these except for the short story in Dreamspell Steampunk; I'm linking as they are posted.)
Steampunk; overall rating 4.25; my rating for Steam Time by Pauline Baird Jones 4.5.

2. Awesome writing and different plot: 

To Be Sung Underwater 

by Tom McNeal; 

Fiction; my rating 5.0.

3. Fun Steampunk - start with book one in the series! I love this series on audio.
Audible Soulless 
by Gail Carriger; 
Paranormal, Steampunk; my rating 5.0.

4. I really enjoy this Author and loved the Study Series!

Audible Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) 

by Maria V. Snyder; 

Sci Fi, Dystopia; my rating 4.75.

5. Encouraging and motivational:
Audiobook Review: Working it Out by Abby Rike; Motivational; my rating 5.0. 




Five more to make the top ten (although it was hard to willow down the field):

1. Holy Guacamole by Dan and Denise Harmer; Inspirational Comedy Adventure; my rating 5.0. 
2. Cover Me by Catherine Mann; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75. 
3. Making Waves by Tawna Fenske; Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.75.
4. Audible Linger by Maggie Stiefvater; Paranormal Romance, YA; my rating 4.75.
5. Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson; Mystery; my rating 4.5. 

Oh - I am adding two more:  Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor; Fantasy; my rating 4.5.
and Divergent - which I haven't reviewed yet.

AND:  Here is the list of all of the books I rated 4.75 and 5.0 from the 251 books I read in 2011.
There are wonderful books to pick from in different genres!  My full reading list for 2011 can be found HERE.

1. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore; Mystery; my rating 4.75.
2. To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick; Historical Fiction; my rating 4.75.
3. House Divided (America Libre Trilogy) by Raul Ramos y Sanchez; Fiction, Political Thriller; my rating 4.75.
4. Welcome to Last Chance by Hope Ramsay; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.75.
5. I Am The Chosen King by Helen Hollick; Historical Fiction; my rating 5.0. 
6. Audible Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) of by Maria V. Snyder; Sci Fi, Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
7. Audible Outside In (Harlequin Teen) by Maria V. Snyder; YA Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
8. Shiver of Fear by Roxanne St. Claire; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75. 
9. Audio Maeve Binchy Collection; Women's Fiction; my rating 4.75. 
10. Face of Danger by Roxanne St. Claire; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.
11. Holy Guacamole by Dan and Denise Harmer; Inspirational Comedy Adventure; my rating 5.0. 
12. SEALed Forever by Mary Margaret Daughtridge; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.75.
13. Audible Soulless by Gail Carriger; Paranormal, Steampunk; my rating 5.0.
14. The Soldier by Grace Burrowes; Historical Romance; my rating 5.0.
15. Audible Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75.
16. To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal; Fiction; my rating 5.0.
17. Changeless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel, Book 2 by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
18. Audible Iron Kissed: Mercy Thompson, Book 3; by Patricia Briggs; Paranormal - Werewolves; my rating 4.75.
19. Cover Me by Catherine Mann; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.75.
20. Making Waves by Tawna Fenske; Romantic Comedy; my rating 4.75.
21. Audiobook Review: Working it Out by Abby Rike; Motivational; my rating 5.0. 
22. Audible Blameless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
23. Steamrolled by Pauline Baird Jones; Sci Fi Romance; my rating 4.75.
24. Heartless: The Parasol Protectorate, the Fourth by Gail Carriger; Paranormal Romance/Steampunk; my rating 4.75.
25. Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee; Fantasy; my rating 4.75. 
26. Audible Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb; Crime Thriller; my rating 4.75. 
27. Audio All Cry Chaos by Leonard Rosen; Mystery Suspense;  my rating 4.75.
28. Paper Angels by Billy Coffey; Inspirational; my rating 4.75. 
29. Audible Divergent by Veronica Roth; Dystopia; my rating 4.75.
30. Help! For Writers: 210 Solutions to the Problems Every Writer Faces  by Roy Peter Clark; Nonfiction, Self-Improvement; my rating 5.0.
31. Audible Linger by Maggie Stiefvater; Paranormal Romance, YA; my rating 4.75.