Here is our Reading Challenge for 2023. The challenge starts Jan 1, 2023 (books begun in 2021 don't count). 

• Read one in a category: Bronze medal. | Read two in a category: Silver medal. | Read three in a category: Gold medal. | Read five in a category: Platinum medal. | Read 10 in a category: Overachiever/paranormal junkie status.

Note: "Paranormal" here should be taken in the broadest sense to include any type of speculative fiction, including all areas of fantasy and SF, horror, weird, alternative worlds, philosophical fiction (books like The Midnight Library or Amatka or even Lincoln in the Bardo), slipstream, etc. If it's not quite in our world and it fits a category, it's fine here.

CATEGORIES:

1. The Latest - Published in 2023
2. Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
3. To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
4. Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
5. Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
6. Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
7. Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
8. Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror
9. Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
11. Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
12. Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction
13. Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
14. Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
15. Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

BONUS CATEGORY:

1. Invent Your Own Category

Extra 1

Extra 2

Finished completely 12/26/2023.

CATEGORIES:

1. The Latest - Published in 2023
   1. Hell Bent (Alex Stern, Bk 2) by Leigh Bardugo - 2/9
   2. The Keeper's Six by Kate Elliott - 2/18
   3. The Iron Princess by Barbara Hambly - 4/9
   4. Furious Heaven (The Sun Chronicles, Bk 2) by Kate Elliott - 5/19
   5. Magic Claims (Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years, Bk 2) by Ilona Andrews - 6/25
   6. The Shuddering City by Sharon Shinn - 8/28
   7. Starter Villain by John Scalzi - 10/17
   8. System Collapse (Murderbot, Bk 7) by Martha Wells - 11/20
   9. Twisted Magic (Renegades of Magic, Bk 3) by Jeffe Kennedy - 12/1
   10. Cold Curses (Heirs of Chicagoland, Bk 5) by Chloe Neill - 12/21
2. Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
   1. Babel by R.F. Kuang - 2/13
   2. Self-Portrait with Nothing by Aimee Pokwatka - 3/3
   3. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna - 3/5
   4. The Orffyreus Wheel by David Niall Wilson - 3/24
   5. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree - 5/6
   6. Saturnalia by Stephanie Feldman - 5/8
   7. Girlfriend on Mars by Deborah Willis - 8/4
   8. Dark Horse (Class 5, Bk 1) by Michelle Diener - 10/10
   9. Who's Afraid of Beowulf? by Tom Holt - 12/14
   10. Fourth Wing (Empyrean, Bk 1) by Rebecca Yarrow (gold cover) - 12/21
3. To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
   1. A Liaden Universe Constellation, Vol. 5 by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller - 1/1
   2. The Assassins of Consequence by Marshall Ryan Maresca - 3/29
   3. Planet Killer (Star Kingdom, Bk 6) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/25
   4. Home Front (Star Kingdom, Bk 7) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/26
   5. Layers of Force (Star Kingdom, Bk 8) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/28
   6. Honor's Flight (Fallen Empire, Bk 2) by Lindsay Buroker - 7/2
   7. Starseers (Fallen Empire, Bk 3) by Lindsay Buroker - 7/6
   8. Relic of Sorrows (Fallen Empire, Bk 4) by Lindsay Buroker - 7/10
   9. Dark Class (Class 5, Bk 5) by Michelle Diener - 10/22
   10. Breakeven (Verdant String, Bk 2) by Michelle Diener - 10/26
4. Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
   1. Good Neighbors by Stephanie Burgis - 1/9
   2. The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart (Nocturne Falls, Bk 14) by Kristen Painter - 2/4
   3. Raven Unveiled (Fallen Empire, Bk 3) by Grace Draven - 2/5
   4. Souljacker (Lily Bound, Bk 1) by Yasmine Galenorn - 3/17
   5. Dead Country (Craft Wars, Bk 1) by Max Gladstone - 6/3
   6. The Tyranny of Faith (Empire of the Wolf, Bk 2) by Richard Swan - 6/13
   7. The Master of Samar by Melissa Scott - 7/4
   8. All the Dead Shall Weep (Gunnie Rose, Bk 5) by Charlaine Harris - 9/20
   9. Devil's Gun (Disco Space Opera, Bk 2) by Cat Rambo - 10/1
   10. Wayward Sky (Souls of the Road, Bk 3) by Devon Monk - 10/9
5. Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
   1. Eagle Eye (Tiger's Eye Mysteries, Bk 8) by Alyssa Day - 1/2
   2. Cast in Eternity (The Chronicles of Elantra, Bk 18) by Michelle Sagara - 2/2
   3. Junk Magic (Lia de Croissets, Bk 1) by Karen Chance - 2/22
   4. Wraith's Revenge (Lizzie Grace, Bk 10) by Keri Arthur - 4/2
   5. Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews - 4/3
   6. Demons of Good and Evil (Hollows, Bk 17) by Kim Harrison - 7/23
   7. Resonance Surge (Psy-Changeling Trinity, Bk 7) by Nalini Singh - 8/10
   8. Wolfsong (Green Creek, 1) by T.J. Klune - 9/15
   9. Monster in the Mirror (Shadowvale, Bk 6) by Kristen Painter - 9/25
   10. Peace Maker (Verdant String, Bk 6) by Michelle Diener - 11/28
6. Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
   1. Siren Song by Audrey Faye - 2/4
   2. Rainbow Brigade (Sarah Beauhall, Bk 5) by J.A. Pitts - 6/1
   3. Backpacking through Bedlam (InCryptid, Bk 12) by Seanan McGuire - 6/5
   4. Rise of the Demon (Kara Gillian, Bk 9) by Diana Rowland - 8/27
   5. Rivers of London: Deadly Ever After by Ben Aaronovitch - 9/4
   6. Night Witch (Rivers of London Graphic Novels, Bk 2) by Ben Aaronovitch - 9/17
   7. A Thousand Recipes for Revenge (Chef of the Five Goods, Bk 1) by Beth Cato - 9/17
   8. The Solstice Countdown (SPI Files, Bk 7) by Lisa Shearin - 9/23
   9. The Gorgon Agenda (SPI Files, Bk 8) by Lisa Shearin - 9/25
   10. The Innocent Sleep (October Daye, Bk 18) by Seanan McGuire - 11/6
7. Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
   1. Thief of Souls (Court of Dreams, Bk 2) by Bec McMaster - 1/3
   2. Shadow Wizard (Renegades of Magic, Bk 1) by Jeffe Kennedy - 1/6
   3. Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House, Bk 1) by Charlie N. Holmberg - 3/24
   4. Heir of Uncertain Magic (Whimbrel House, Bk 2) by Charlie N. Holmberg - 4/13
   5. Witch King by Martha Wells - 8/5
   6. The Rebel’s Prize (Daughter of Ravens, Bk 3) by M.J. Scott - 10/2
   7. An Inheritance of Magic by Benedict Jacka - 10/22
   8. Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper - 10/25
   9. Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener - 11/4
   10. The Book of War (The Last Oracle, Bk 8) by Melissa McShane - 11/30
8. Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror
   1. The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher - 1/17
   2. The Broken Room by Peter Clines - 3/19
   3. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher - 4/15
   4. Season of Skulls (Laundry Files, Bk 13) by Charles Stross - 4/29
   5. Hestia Strikes a Match by Christine Grillo - 8/7
   6. The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older - 8/21
   7. Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong - 10/6
   8. Junkyard Cats by Faith Hunter - 10/28
   9. Junkyard Bargain (Junkyard Cats, Bk 2) by Faith Hunter - 11/14
   10. The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher - 11/15
9. Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
   1. The Ippos King (Wraith Kings, Bk 3) by Grace Draven - 1/13
   2. Destiny's Song (KarmaCorp, Bk 1) by Audrey Faye - 3/3
   3. Knight Protector by Lindsay Buroker - 4/23
   4. Death Dates the Oracle (Nocturne Falls, Bk 15) by Kristen Painter - 6/7
   5. The Traitor's Game (Daughter of Ravens, Bk 2) by M.J. Scott - 10/13
   6. Dark Deeds (Class 5, Bk 2) by Michelle Diener - 10/16
   7. Dark Minds (Class 5, Bk 3) by Michelle Diener - 10/18
   8. Dark Matters (Class 5, Bk 4) by Michelle Diener - 10/19
   9. Breakaway (Verdant String, Bk 1) by Michelle Diener - 10/23
   10. Trailblazer (Verdant String, Bk 3) by Michelle Diener - 11/13
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
    1. Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore - 1/19
    2. Seamaster by C.E. Murphy - 2/23
    3. The Library of the Dead (Edinburgh Nights, Bk 1) by T.L. Huchu - 3/19
    4. Powers (Annals of the Western Shore, Bk 3) by Ursula K. Le Guin - 3/20
    5. The Silent Strength of Stones by Nina Kiriki Hoffman - 3/21
    6. Someone Is Always Watching by Kelley Armstrong - 9/12
    7. Curses by Lish McBride - 10/13
    8. Valiant (Modern Faerie Tales, Bk 2) by Holly Black - 10/14
    9. Ironside (Modern Faerie Tales, Bk 3) by Holly Black - 10/15
    10. River Rats by Caroline Stevermer - 10/24
11. Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
    1. The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison - 3/11
    2. The Grief of Stones (Cemeteries of Amalo, Bk 2) by Katherine Addison - 3/20
    3. The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune (Accidental Alchemist, Bk 5) by Gigi Pandian - 3/21
    4. The Vanished Seas (Major Bhaajan, Bk 3) by Catherine Asaro - 3/21
    5. Interview with a Dead Editor (Lucky Lexie Mysteries, Bk 1) by Shanna Swendson - 3/23
    6. The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin (Accidental Alchemist, Bk 6) by Gigi Pandian - 4/1
    7. The Jigsaw Assassin (Major Bhaajan, Bk 4) by Catherine Asaro - 7/23
    8. Ukulele of Death by E.J. Copperman - 9/19
    9. The Case of the Curious Crystals by Shanna Swendson - 11/13
    10. The Helios Syndrome by Vivien Shaw - 11/12
12. Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction
    1. Derelict for Trade by Andre Norton & Sherwood Smith - 3/28
    2. Shockwave (Star Kingdom, Bk 1) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/16
    3. Ship of Ruin (Star Kingdom, Bk 2) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/16
    4. Hero Code (Star Kingdom, Bk 3) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/20
    5. Crossfire (Star Kingdom, Bk 4) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/21
    6. Gate Quest (Star Kingdom, Bk 5) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/23
    7. Star Nomad (Fallen Empire, Bk 1) by Lindsay Buroker - 5/9
    8. The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis - 8/18
    9. Uncharted Territory by Connie Willis - 9/19
    10. Interference & Insurgency by Michelle Diener - 10/31
13. Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
    1. The World We Make (Great Cities, Bk 2) by N.K. Jemisin - 1/10
    2. Sweep of the Heart (Innkeeper Chronicles, Bk 6) by Ilona Andrews - 2/19
    3. Lost Grace (Reminiscent Exile, Bk 4) by Joe Ducie - 4/12
    4. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh - 5/2
    5. Infinity Gate (The Pandominion, Bk 1) by M.R. Carey - 5/15
    6. Wild Massive by Scotto Moore - 5/27
    7. Translation State by Ann Leckie - 6/22
    8. The Book of Harmony (The Last Oracle, Bk 7) by Melissa McShane - 6/25
    9. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis - 9/1
    10. Sleep No More (October Daye, Bk 17) by Seanan McGuire - 9/17
14. Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
    1. The Edge of Reason by Melinda M. Snodgrass - 1/23
    2. In Camelot's Shadow by Sarah Zettel - 1/2
    3. For Camelot's Honor by Sarah Zettel - 1/29
    4. Under Camelot's Banner by Sarah Zettel - 2/8
    5. Never After by Rebecca Lickiss - 3/20
    6. Asylum (Star Kingdom, Bk 9) by Lindsay Buroker - 4/11
    7. A Mind for Trade (Solar Queen, Bk 7) by Andre Norton & Sherwood Smith - 6/28
    8. The Laurentine Spy by Emily Gee - 8/22
    9. The Best of Leigh Brackett by Leigh Brackett - 8/29
    10. Crudrat (Tinkered Stars, Bk 1) by Gail Carriger - 9/26
15. Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover
    1. The Brush of Black Wings (Wraith Kings, Bk 2) by Grace Draven - 4/10
    2. Scarlet by Genevieve Cogman - 5/21
    3. Camelot's Blood (Queens of Camelot, Bk 4) by Sarah Zettel - 7/9
    4. The Only Purple House in Town (Fix-It Witches, Bk 4) by Ann Aguirre - 7/28
    5. The Red Scholar’s Wake by Aliette de Bodard - 10/16
    6. Rough Around the Hedges (Uncanny Romance, Bk 2) by Lish McBride (lavender cover) - 10/30
    7. Chaos Terminal (The Midsolar Murders, Bk 2) by Mur Lafferty (blue, green, and silver wasps important to plot) - 12/3
    8. Shards of Glass by Michelle Sagara (blue cover) - 12/7
    9. The Olympian Affair (Cinder Spires, Bk 2) by Jim Butcher (red cover) - 12/17
    10. Library of the Sapphire Wind (Over Where, Bk 1) by Jane Lindskold - 12/26

BONUS CATEGORY:

1. Invent Your Own Category: Paranormal Historical (including steampunk)
   1. The Witch in the Well by Sharan Newman - 3/25
   2. The Watchmaker's Daughter (Glass and Steele, Bk 1) by C.J. Archer - 4/30
   3. The Librarian of Crooked Lane (Glass Library, Bk 1) by C.J. Archer - 7/4
   4. Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall - 8/3
   5. The Medici Manuscript (Glass Library, Bk 2) by C.J. Archer - 8/17
   6. The Last Stand of Mary Good Crow (The Crystal Calamity, Bk 1) by Rachel Aaron - 8/26
   7. Mother of Souls (Alpennia, Bk 3) by Heather Rose Jones - 9/18
   8. Her Majesty's Necromancer (Ministry of Curiosities, Bk 2) by C.J. Archer - 10/31
   9. To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis - 11/28
   10. The Untitled Books (Glass Library, Bk 3) by C.J. Archer - 12/21

1. The Latest - Published in 2023
   1. Conquer the Kingdom by Jennefer Estep done 3/13
   2. Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews 3/14
   3. Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley done 10/28
2. Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
   1. A Dragon Speaks Her Name by Kira Nyte done 5/23
   2. Shifting and Shenanigans by Elizabeth Pantley done 7/27
   3. The Very Secret Society of irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna 9/24
   4. Runaway Fate by Elizabeth Hunter 10/21
   5. Witch with a Badge TR Cameron 12/3
   6. Butter, Sugar, Magic by Jessica Rosenberg 12/25
3. To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
   1. The Fifth Sense by Michelle M. Pillow done 1/24
   2. Bakeries and Buffoonery by Elizabeth Pantley 9/10
4. Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
   1. Interveiw with a Dead Editor by Shanna Swendson 1/3
   2. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston  done 1/16
   3. Embrace the Suck by Kristin Painter done 3/9
   4. In Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace done 3/23
   5. Touched by HIs Vampire Charm by Kyra Nite 12/31
5. Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
   1. Alpha by Rebecca Zanetti done 5/31
6. Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
   1. The Eternal Return by Yasmine Galenorn 10/12
7. Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
   1. Witchmark by C.L. Polk  3/1
   2. Hummingbird by Helen Harper done 7/11
8. Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror
   1. The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean done 3/10
   2. Junkyard Cats by Faith Hunter done 10/18
9. Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
   1. Monster in the Mirror by Kristen Painter done 4/12
   2. Garrett's Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti 4/19
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
11. Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
    1. Wrapped up in Christmas by Kristen Painter 7/17
    2. Vampires and Villains by Elizabeth Pantley done 8/5
    3. Cowboys and Chaos by Elizabeth Pantley done 8/20
12. Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction
    1. Hunt the Starts by Jessie Mihalik done 1/1
    2. Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep done 4/4
    3. Renegade Love by Ann Aguirre done 10/24
    4. Only Good Enemies by Jennifer Estep 12/30
13. Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
    1. A Turn of the Tide by Kelley Armstrong 1/12
14. Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
15. Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover
    1. The Only PUrple House in Town by Ann Aguirre 8/8

BONUS CATEGORY:

1. Invent Your Own Category  -- Dragons
   1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 8/27
   2. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 11/11

Okay Rebecca I'm in:  I have stacks of TBR of this category.

CATEGORIES:

The Latest - Published in 2023

X Monster In The Mirror  Author: Kristen Painter 2-13-2023 4stars

Switching Things Up - New-to-you author

X  Prophesy (Prophesy, Bk 1)  Author: A. E. Via 2-17-2023 5stars

Tarian Alpha (New Tarian Pride)  Author: T. S. Joyce 4-8-2023 4stars

To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following

X After the Bite (Argeneau, Bk 35)  Author: Lynsay Sands 1-17-2023 4stars

X Dervishes Don't Dance (Valkyrie Bestiary)  Author: Kim McDougall 3-1-2023 5stars

Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.

X Crimson Twilight: A Krewe of Hunters Novella (1001 Dark Nights) Author: Heather Graham 1-14-2023 4stars

X Midnight Unbound  Author: Lara Adrian 4-5-2023 4stars

Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters

X The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga, Bk 3)  Author: G. A. Aiken 1-13-2023 4stars

Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures

X Familiar Beginnings [Demon Magic, Bk 2] by Alice Winters (ebook) 1-2-2023 3stars

Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners

X Wine, Witches and Song (The Everyday Witches of Wildham-on-Sea)  Author: Molly Milligan 2-12-2023 4stars

Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror

X  Dragons Don't Eat Meat (Valkyrie Bestiary)  Author: Kim McDougall  2-27-2023 5stars

Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending

X Stroke of Midnight (1001 Dark Nights)  Author: Lara Adrian 3-30-2023 3stars

Sci-fi Romance

Choler (A Scifi Alien Dragon Romance) Author: Celia Kyle, Anne Hale 04-18-2023 4stars

Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction

XHexhunter (Hexworld)  Author: Jordan L. Hawk 2-8-2023 4stars

Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction

X Sweep of the Heart (Innkeeper Chronicles)  Author: Ilona Andrews 1-29-2023 5stars

Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds

X How to Defy a Vampire by Alice Winters (ebook) 2-3-2023 4stars

Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year

X Radiance (Wraith Kings) (Volume 1)  Author: Grace Draven 1-31-2023 5stars

X  Shadow Keeper (Shadow Riders, Bk 3)  Author: Christine Feehan 3-30-2023 3stars

Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

X Crimson Twilight: A Krewe of Hunters Novella (1001 Dark Nights)  Author: Heather Graham 1-14-2023 4stars

BONUS CATEGORY:

Invent Your Own Category

*

Mary's Spot:

1. The Latest - Published in 2023
2. Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
3. To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
4. Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
5. Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
6. Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
7. Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
8. Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror
9. Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
11. Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
12. Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction
13. Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
14. Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
15. Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

BONUS CATEGORY:

1. Invent Your Own Category
2.  

CATEGORIES:

1. The Latest - Published in 2023
2. Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
3. To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
4. Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
5. Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
6. Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
7. Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
8. Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror
9. Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
11. Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
12. Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction
13. Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
14. Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
15. Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

BONUS CATEGORY:

1. Invent Your Own Category

My spot!

Rebecca - I'm probably gonna give Zombies their own category.

CATEGORIES:

• The Latest - Published in 2023
• Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
• To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following

1. One Good Dragon Deserves Another (Heartstrikers, Bk 2) by Rachel Aaron  1-16
2. Mirror Mirror [Gothic Fairytales, Bk 2] by Ann Aguirre 2-23

• Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
• Vampires

1. âSuckers: A Horror Novel by Z Rider  1-22

• Zombies
• Ghosts

1. âThe Librarian's Ghost (Supers, Bk 2) by Sean Michael 2-28

• Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters

1. Here Be Dragons by T A Chase  1-6
2. No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished (Heartstrikers, Bk 3) by Rachel Aaron  1-18

• Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures

1. âRevenant (Lords of Deliverance) by Larissa Ione  1-28
2. Hades: A Demonica Novella by Larissa Ione  1-31
3. Not Even Bones (Market of Monsters, Bk 1) by Rebecca Schaeffer  2-7 

• Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners

1. The Lighthouse Witches by C J Cooke 1-3
2. Hummingbird (Charade of Magic, Bk 1) by Helen Harper  1-30
3. Marlene's Revenge (Gretel Book Two) by Christopher Coleman  2-5
4. Witching For Clarity: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel by Deanna Chase. 2-9

• Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror

1. The Book of Etta (Road to Nowhere, Bk 2) by Meg Elison  1-4
2. Island Life by William Meikle  1-20
3. Tentacle Death Trip by Jordan Krall 2-26 

• Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending

1. ââThe Graveside Bar and Grill: A Charley Davidson Novella by Darynda Jones 2-28

• Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
• Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
• Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction

1. Nightflyers (Illustrated Edition) by George R R Martin  1-13

• Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
• Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
• Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

BONUS CATEGORY:

1. Invent Your Own Category

CATEGORIES:

The Latest - Published in 2023

Switching Things Up - New-to-you author

To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
Protect the Prince (Crown of Shards, Bk 2) by Jennifer Estep

Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.

Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, Bk 3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
The Accidental Unicorn (Accidentally Paranormal, Bk 18) by Dakota Cassidy

Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart (Nocturne Falls, Bk 14) by Kristen Painter
Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards, Bk 1) by Jennifer Estep

Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror

Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
Shadow Rider (Shadow, Bk 1) by Christine Feehan
Shadow Reaper (Shadow, Bk 2) by Christine Feehan

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult

Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash, Bk 2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction

Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (Outlander, Bk 9) by Diana Gabaldon

Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year

Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

BONUS CATEGORY:

Invent Your Own Category

Me!

The Latest - Published in 2023

Switching Things Up - New-to-you author

To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following

• A Good Day for Chardonnay (Darynda Jones)
• A Hard Day for a Hangover (Darynda Jones)

Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.

Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters

Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures

Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners

Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror

Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult

• Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore

Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction

Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction

Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds

Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year

Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

BONUS CATEGORY:

Invent Your Own Category

LOLOL, Cindy, naturally - see, that's the difference between you setting up this thread and me setting up this thread: fewer zombies. If you decide to run the 2024 thread, I'll anticipate hot and cold running zombies!

Ooh - fast zombies and slow zombies.  Now THAT would be a challenge!

I will try this in 2023. Several on my TBR will fit here. Goal: 2 in each category.

Here is our Reading Challenge for 2023. The challenge starts Jan 1, 2023 (books begun in 2022 don't count). 

• Read one in a category: Bronze medal. | Read two in a category: Silver medal. | Read three in a category: Gold medal. | Read five in a category: Platinum medal. | Read 10 in a category: Overachiever/paranormal junkie status.

Note: "Paranormal" here should be taken in the broadest sense to include any type of speculative fiction, including all areas of fantasy and SF, horror, weird, alternative worlds, philosophical fiction (books like The Midnight Library or Amatka or even Lincoln in the Bardo), slipstream, etc. If it's not quite in our world and it fits a category, it's fine here.

CATEGORIES:

• The Latest - Published in 2023

1. Gryphon in Light (Kelvren's Saga, Bk 1) Author: Larry Dixon, Mercedes Lackey

• Switching Things Up - New-to-you author

1. Lady of Devices (Magnificent Devices, Bk 1) Author: Shelley Adina
2. A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking Author: T. Kingfisher

• To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following

1. Echoes of Betrayal (Paladin's Legacy, Bk 3) Author: Elizabeth Moon
2. Limits of Power (Paladin's Legacy, Bk 4) Author: Elizabeth Moon

• Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.

1. The Vampire's Accidental Wife Author: Kristen Painter
2. The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart (Nocturne Falls, Bk 14) Author: Kristen Painter

• Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters

1. Limits of Power (Paladin's Legacy, Bk 4) Author: Elizabeth Moon (the dragon shapeshifts)
2. Crown of Renewal Author: Elizabeth Moon (the dragon shapeshifts)

• Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures

1. The Hobbit: Or, There and Back Again Author: J. R. R. Tolkien (dragon)
2. The Fellowship of the Ring Author: J. R. R. Tolkien (elves, orcs)
3. The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Bk 2) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) Author: J. R. R. Tolkien, Rob Inglis (Narrator) (Shelob)

• Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners

1. The One and Only Crystal Druid (Guild Codex: Unveiled, Bk 1) Author: Annette Marie
2. The Long-Forgotten Winter King Author: Annette Marie
3. Oath of Fealty (Paladin's Legacy, Bk 1) Author: Elizabeth Moon
4. Kings of the North (Paladin's Legacy, Bk 2) Author: Elizabeth Moon
5. Princess of Wands (Special Circumstances, Bk 1) Author: John Ringo
6. Queen of Wands (Special Circumstances, Bk 2) Author: John Ringo

• Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror

• Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending

1. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches Author: Sangu Mandanna
2. Wrapped up in Christmas (Frost & Crowe, Bk 2) Author: Kristen Painter

• Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult

1. Silence (Serrated Edge) Author: Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin
2. Breaking Silence (10) (Serrated Edge) Author: Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin
3. The False Prince (Ascendance, Bk 1) Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
4. Hikaru no Go, Vol 2 Author: Yumi Hotta, Takeshi Obata (Illustrator)

• Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction

1. The Vampire Book Club (Vampire Book Club, Bk 1) Author: Nancy Warren
2. Cocoa and Curses (Witches of Noel Lodge, Bk 1) Author: Julie Nisse

• Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction

1. To End in Fire (4) (Crown of Slaves) Author: David Weber, Eric Flint
2. Little Fuzzy (Fuzzy, Bk 1) Author: H. Beam Piper

• Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds

1. Several People Are Typing Author: Calvin Kasulke (I think this fits here?)
2. Hikaru No Go, Vol 1 Author: Yumi Hotta, Takesai Obata (Illustrator)
3. When Women Were Dragon Author: Kelly Barnhill

• Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year

• Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

1. The Silver Bullets of Annie Oakley (Elemental Masters, Bk 16) Author: Mercedes Lackey
2. A Study in Sable (Elemental Masters, Bk 11) Author: Mercedes Lackey
3. Oath of Gold (The Deed of Paksenarrion, Book 3) Author: Elizabeth Moon

BONUS CATEGORY:

• Invent Your Own Category: Wheel of Time

1. New Spring (Jordan, Robert, Wheel of Time.) Author: Robert Jordan
2. Eye of the World Author: Robert Jordan
3. The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time (Wheel of Time) Author: Robert Jordan, Teresa Patterson
4. The Dragon Reborn (The Wheel of Time, Bk 3) (Audio) Author: Robert Jordan
5. The Shadow Rising : Book Four of 'The Wheel of Time' (Wheel of Time) Author: Robert Jordan
6. The Fires of Heaven (The Wheel of Time, Bk 5) (Unabridged Audio) Author: Robert Jordan
7. Lord of Chaos : Wheel of Time #6 (Wheel of Time) Author: Robert Jordan
8. A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time, Book 7) Author: Robert Jordan
9. Winter's Heart: Book Nine of 'The Wheel of Time' Author: Robert Jordan
    

Not really my genres, and I may end up reading very few categories. But since I have all year, I'll give this a try!

CATEGORIES:

1. The Latest - Published in 2023
2. Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
3. To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
4. Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
5. Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
6. Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
7. Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
8. Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror
9. Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
11. Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
12. Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction
13. Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
14. Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
15. Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

Welcome, Margaret and Joanne! It's great to see people trying this out, in any case. But, Joanne, I bet you'll find things, and Margaret, I have no doubt, since I've gotten quite a few appropriate books from you over the years.

I finished Embrace the Suck by Kristen Painter. It is the fifth and final book of the First Fangs Club series. I have it 5 Stars. I appreciate that Ms. Painter knew when to end a series. Each book was very good. She tied up all the lose ends. Each character grew book over book. Lots of great adventure. I highly recommend this series but start with book one Sucks to Be Me. 

1. The Latest - Published in 2023
2. Switching Things Up - New-to-you author
3. To Be Continued - Next in a series you're following
   1. Generation 18 (spook squad #2) - Keri Arthur
   2. Penumbra (Spook Squad #3) - Keri Arthur
   3. Dark Queen (Jane Yellowrock #12) - Faith Hunter
4. Beyond the Grave - Vampires, zombies, ghosts, skeletons, etc.
   1. Archangel's War - Nalini Singh
   2. Daruis - JR Ward
5. Shifty Creatures - Werewolves and other shapeshifters
   1. Shadow Rites - Faith Hunter
   2. Island of Glass - Nora Roberts
   3. Cold Reign - Faith Hunter
6. Uncommon Beasts - Cryptids and other mythological creatures
   1. Capture the Crown (Gargoyle Queen #1) - Jennifer Estep
   2. Heroic Hearts - Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes (varios authors)
7. Spell Books - Witches and other magical practitioners
   1. Shattered Bonds - Faith Hunter
8. Scary Stuff - Dystopian and horror
9. Love Actually - Paranormal romance and/or HEA (happily ever after) ending
   1. Shadow Silence - Yasmine Galenornâ
   2. Hunting for a Highlander - Lynsay Sands
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Young adult
11. Secrets & Lies - Paranormal mystery and spy fiction
12. Spaceships, Robots & Aliens, Oh My! - Science fiction
13. Twisted Realities - Time travel, alternate history, parallel worlds
14. Gathering Dust - Been on your TBR more than 1 year
    1. Blood of the Earth (Soulwood #1) - Faith Hunter
15. Color Wheel - Color in title or on cover

BONUS CATEGORY:

1.  Invent Your Own Category - Taking a Break from paranormal.
   1. Angels Fall - Nora Roberts
   2. Full House - Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes
   3. Below Stairs - Margaret Powell
   4. The Best Man - Kristan Higgins
   5. Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessica Knoll
   6. Deceived - Irene Hannon
   7. The Warrior of Clan Kincaid - Lily Blackwood
   8. You Can Run - Rebecca Zanetti
   9. The Investigatior - John Sandford
   10. Midnight Shadows / Night Shield - Nora Roberts
   11. You can Hide - Rebecca Zanetti
   12. Desperation in Death - J.D. Robb
   13. Black Dog - Stuart Woods
   14. Righteous Prey - John Sandford
   15. All the Pretty People - Barbara Freethy
   16. Encore in Death - JD Robb
   17. Near Miss - Stuart Woods
   18. Tales from Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
   19. Queen Charlotte - Julia Quinn
   20. A Pirate Looks at Fifty - Jimmy Buffett
   21. Dark Angel - John Sanford
   22. The Woman in Me - Britney Spears
   23. Whisper of Warning - Laura Griffin
   24. Legacy - Nora Roberts
   25. Below the Stairs - Margaret Powell

I finished Iron Flame (Empyrean, Bk 2) :: Rebecca Yarros it was excellent read book one first Fourth Wing

Belated welcome, Stephenie!

Alice, I have both of those books on my library hold list - I'm about 40th on the list for one of 100 copies for Fourth Wing, and they don't actually own Iron Flame yet, so I should get them in order ;).

As we wind our way toward the close of the year: I'll set up next year's challenge in 3 weeks or so, and in the meantime, I'd be happy for suggestions for topics for next year. I'll recycle a lot of the hardy perennials, but I can always use more ideas for extras.

These are the ones I've thought of so far:

• Parting Is a Sweet Sorrow: Finishing a series (last books in a series, up to 3 per series)
• The Sporting Life: Books where a sport or competition has a significant role in the plot
• Palace Intrigue: Books featuring politics and/or a royal or imperial family
• Betwixt and Between: Books in hybrid genres [although I'll also again include specific categories covering some of the common mixtures]

Dragons

Witches

A couple of my favorite reads have Witches and Dragons

Thanks, Alice!

I've been too busy to get back to this thought, but I should finally have time today and tomorrow, so I'll knock up a set of categories and post the new thread soon.

NOW OPEN FOR SIGNUPS: 2024 Paranormal Reading Challenge