#2016HW Reading Assignment Challenge ~ Sign Up Post

I participated in the Reading Assignment Challenge this year, hosted by Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading. I was doing pretty well until October, when I ended up failing. :/ The ladies are at it again for next year, with some tweaked rules and more fun. And obviously I like the challenge so I've decided to give it another go in 2016!

Here are the basics of the challenge. If you'd like to participate, you can find the full details by clicking on the button above.

• Create a specific list of books you'll read.
• Decide on a level
• Level 1 is 12 books (1 book/month)
• Level 2 is 24 books (2 books/month)
• Level 3 is 36 books (3 books/month)
• Level 4 is 48 books (4 books/month)
• Post quarterly report cards

For 2016, I'm aiming for Level 2 or 2 books per month. Here is my Reading Assignment list of books:

Didn't y'all always want to create your own reading list in school? Now's your chance! Join me in the fun! :D

#2015 HW Review ~ Endure ~ Carrie Jones

Endure
Need Series #4
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Purchased Hardcover copy
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Zara is at the center of an impending apocalypse. True, she's successfully rescued Nick from Valhalla, but it simply isn't enough. Evil pixies are ravaging Bedford, and they need much more than one great warrior; they need an army. Zara isn't sure what her role is anymore. She's not just fighting for her friends; she's also a pixie queen. And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves will be one of her greatest battles yet. Especially since she can't even reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king...

Unexpected turns, surprising revelations, and one utterly satisfying romantic finale make Endure a thrilling end to this series of bestsellers.

I had waited quite awhile for this final installment to release but it was released in May of 2012 and I was moving at that time. I grabbed it on release day - but it's been sitting on my shelf, gathering dust, ever since. I'm so glad I finally read it because it was a very satisfying end.

All the events - all the pixie attacks, all the deaths - the small town of Bedford, Maine, has been experiencing have been leading up to this. Zara and her gang must figure out what the prophecy means and Zara's role in it. Zara has endured a lot in recent months - love, loss, transforming into a pixie - and she'll have to endure more before it's all over.

Zara is so courageous, selfless, and compassionate. She's always been a girl who'd rather fight for good with her words - but in the fight against evil pixies, she has to pick up a knife and/or sword.

Zara's friends, Devyn, Issie, Cassidy, and of course, Nick and Astley, have her back. Jones devised a great ensemble cast and I love them all. Nick continued in his behavior that was maddening to me for most of the book. He did eventually redeem himself in my eyes. Astley always puts Zara first, and that endeared him to me. (Yes, there is a love triangle in this series and I was firmly on Team Astley) 

Endure is really action-packed. Between trips to Iceland, training an army, and the actual 'big' battle, Jones created a lot of tension and adrenaline-pumping suspense. I'd forgotten that Norse mythology was such an important element in the series. I like how Jones wove together Loki, Hel, and Valhalla with the fae and shape-shifters.

Endure was an exciting and very satisfying end to a series that I greatly enjoyed. Jones constructed a unique story with well-developed characters. And her writing evoked vivid images as well as powerful emotions. I'm happy that I have more of her books already awaiting me on my shelves.

**2015 Reading Assignment Challenge Sign-Up Post**

Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading have been at it again! They've come up with a challenge for next year that I think is brilliant! You know the reading list you had when you were in school? Well, in this challenge, you have a list but it's one that you create yourself! 

For the full details, rules, and to sign up, click on the logo above. But essentially, you pick a level, create a list of books to fulfill that level, and keep everyone posted on your progress monthly. Your list cannot change after you've created it, and you must read the books you say you're going to each month. But don't worry, there are passes you can earn as well as extra credit. Just like going back to school. ;)

I'm going for Level 3, which is 24 books for the year, 2 per month. I think this is realistic. And I own all of these books, so I'll be cleaning my shelves as well. 

Of course, Berls and Michelle have fun things planned like giveaways to keep us motivated! So, wanna go back to school with me? It's guaranteed to be the best assigned reading you ever had! :)

My Assigned Reading List: