Sunday Funday: Merlin Readathon - Wrap Up & Mini Reviews

Happy Sunday everyone! Today I'm sharing my wrap up and mini reviews for the Merlin Readathon.  It ran from August 1st-15th and was hosted by Kat, Emily, Ro, Tazmyn, and Kay.  You can check out the official Twitter account here.  I know I've said it before, but Merlin is one of my favorite shows, so it's no wonder I jumped at this challenge.  I met my goal of completing all four levels and becoming a Mage.  Keep reading to see my thoughts on the books I completed for this readathon:

1. There's a goblin in the castle!  Protect yourself against their foul stench, read a book with green on the cover.

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The Queen's Secret by Karen Harper turned out to be one where I much preferred the idea of the story to the final product.  The end result was dull and it felt like nothing happened.  And, yes, we learn the title secret at very beginning of the story.  I know this is a historical fiction novel, but sometimes it was like reading a long tabloid article.

My review is also on Goodreads.

2. Merlin has been poisoned, help Arthur on a quest to find a healing flower, read a book with a map.

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Thieves' Quarry (Thieftaker Chronicles #2) by D.B. Jackson is a great sequel that realizes more of its potential than its predecessor. The author has really done his research on the time period and it shows. I particularly enjoy how he has combined the real world history and magic. I'm definitely going to have to continue this historical fantasy series.  I can't wait to pick up A Plunder of Souls.

My review is also on Goodreads.

3. You've been suspected of using magic and must escape your execution.  Knock out the guards, read a book that packs an emotional punch.

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Internment by Samira Ahmed was brutal and painful.  It's disturbing just how relevant this alternate timeline is to the real world as it is now.  There were a few elements such as the romance that I could have done without, but overall it's a powerful read.  I don't often read the author's note in books, but you can't skip that section here.  

My review is also on Goodreads.

4. You have found the sword in the stone!  To claim it in and finish your quest, read a five star prediction.

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I can now officially say that Monstrous Regiment (Discworld #31) by Terry Pratchett is my second favorite Discworld book, second only to Going Postal.  I don't know why I'd been putting this one off for so long really.  Honestly, if I had read this novel earlier, I might actually rank it above Going Postal but who knows at this point.  That said, this had practically everything I could have asked for out of a Discworld novel and more.  If you haven't met Polly (alias Oliver) and the rest of the squad, you won't want to miss out them.  Plus, it was good to see Sam Vimes again too.

My review is also on Goodreads.

Did you take part in this readathon?  Have you watched Merlin or read any of these books?  As always, thanks for visiting my blog and perhaps even commenting down below!