Narilka redacts her reading in 2024 - Part 3

It's time for a third thread for 2024!

My Rating System
- Absolutely horrible, don't bother

- Meh, I finished the book somehow but would not recommend it

- An entertaining read

- Highly enjoyable, I would probably recommend this book

- Excellent! The book may not be perfect but it was perfect for me. Possibly a new favorite.

A star is given for a book that falls between those categories.

Currently Reading


Listening To

Books Read in 2024
1. Beware of Chicken 3 by Casualfarmer
2. Dragon Heist by Alexander C. Kane
3. The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett
4. Baking Bad by Kim M. Watt
5. System Collapse by Martha Wells
6. The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof
7. The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
8. Yule Be Sorry by Kim M. Watt
9. The Phantom of the Lop Ear by Andrew Seiple
10. Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
11. Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
12. The Wisdom of the Council by Sara Landon
13. A Manor of Life and Death by Kim M. Watt
14. The Case of the Felonious Faire by Drew Hayes
15. Mort by Terry Pratchett
16. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
17. Sourcery by Terry Pratchett
18. The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castell
19. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
20. An End to All Tails by Andrew Seiple
21. Game of Scones by Kim M Watt
22. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
23. Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
24. Siege Tactics by Drew Hayes
25. The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman
26. Foreigner by CJ Cherryh
27. Playing the Matrix by Mike Dooley
28. Eric by Terry Pratchett
29. The Ultimate Book of Fun Things to Do in Retirement Volume 1 by S. C. Francis
30. The Gate of the Feral Gods by Matt Dinniman
31. Pyramids by Terry Pratchett
32. To Die Fur by Dixie Lyle
33. Sabriel by Garth Nix
34. Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
35. Unstoppable Brain by Kyra Bobinet
36. A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
37. A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow
38. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
39. Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett
40. Lirael by Garth Nix
41. Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
42. A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
43. Project Hail Mary by Andy Wier
44. Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett
45. Morrigan's Ravens by Graeme Rodaughan
46. The Butcher's Masquerade by Matt Dinniman
47. Nala's World by Dean Nicholson
48. Abhorsen by Garth Nix
49. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
50. Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett
51. The Dark Refrain by Jessica Khoury
52. Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
53. Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson
54. Not Till We Are Lost by Dennis E. Taylor
55. Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
56. Tax Alpha Solutions by Matthew Chancey
57. Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson
58. The Eye of the Bedlam Bride by Matt Dinimann
59. Constituent Service: A Third District Story by John Scalzi

Fun Stats
Books Read: 59
Total Pages Read: 12,604
Audio Book Hours: 263h 58m
Rereads: 16
TBR Challenge: 12/12

2024 Series Stats
In progress: 19
Up to date: 18
On Hold: 5
Completed: 3
Abandoned: 3

Mount TBR
Start 2024: 217
End 2024: ?

TBR Challenge

A new year, a new list - happy 2024! It's a brand new primary list with all the carry overs from last year under the secondary list. Aiming for 12 read.

12/12

Primary
1. Baking Bad by Kim M. Watt Read Jan 24
2. Dragon Heist by Alexander Kane Read Jan 12
3. The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castelle Read Apr 2
4. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson Read Aug 30
5. To Die Fur by Dixie Lyle Read June 17
6. The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof Read Feb 3
7. A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow Read June 23
8. Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews Read June 19
9. A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home by Sue Halpern
10. Nala's World by Dean Nicholson Read Aug 7
11. Scythe by Neil Shusterman
12. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Read June 24

Secondary
1. Terciel & Elinor by Garth Nix
2. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
3. Foreigner by C. J. Cherryh Read May 15
4. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
5. A Cat Named Darwin by William Jordan
6. Someone Like Me by MR Carey
7. Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
8. Thud! by Terry Pratchett
9. You Are the Placebo by Joe Dispenza
10. Swordheart by T. Kingfisher Read Feb 22
11. Terminal Alliance by Jim C. Hines
12. My Life in a Cat House by Gwenn Cooper

My Personal Incomplete Series Challenge
Keeping my never-ending series list going for yet another year.

Series Stats Summary
In progress: 19
Up to date: 18
On Hold: 5
Completed: 3
Abandoned: 3

In Progress
Discworld: Rincewind - 6/8
Discworld: City Watch - 6/8
Discworld: Tiffany Aching - 3/5
Discworld: Overall - 33/41
Temeraire - 2/9
Joe Ledger* - 6/10
World of the Five Gods - 2/3
Space Team* - 4/11
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot Mysteries - 2/5
Awaken Online: Tarot* - 1/3
Of Cats and Dragons* - 1/5
Hunter - 1/3
Nathaniel Cade* - 2/3
Spells, Swords and Stealth* - 4/5
Gobbelino London, PI - 3/7
Blasphemy Online - 1/3
Valkerye Collections - 1/2
Beaufort Scales Mysteries - 4/8
Stormlight Archives Arc 1 - 2/5

Up to date and waiting
The Band - 2/2 - #3 expected 2025
The Brackenford Cycle - 4/4 - #5 TBD
5-minute Sherlock* - 3/3 - #4 TBD
The Witchlands - 4/4 - #5 expected 2025
World of the Others - 3/3 - #4 TBD
Mystwick* - 2/2 - #3 TBD
The Locked Tomb - 3/3 - #4 expected 2025
Aurelia Ryder - 1/1 - #2 TBD
Innkeeper Chronicles - 5/5 - #6 TBD
The Wizard's Butler* - 1/1 - #2 TBD
Kate Daniels Wilmington Years - 2/2 - #3 expected 2025
The Dresden Files - 17/17 - #18 TBD
Beware of Chicken* - 3/3 - #4 expected Nov 2024
Murderbot - 7/7 - #8 TBD
The Iron Covenant - 1/1 - #2 expected 2025
Legends & Lattes - 1.5/1.5 - #2 TBD
Bobiverse - 5/5 - #6 TBD
Dungeon Crawler Carl* - 6/6 - #7 expected 2/11/2025

Temporarily On Hold While I Try to Reduce my TBR
The Folk of the Air* - 1/3
Awaken Online* - 4/6
The Siege - 1/3
Spellslinger - 1/6
The Darkwater Legacy* - 1/2

Completed in 2024
Threadbare Pt 2* - 3/3
Fractured Fables - 2/2
Abhorsen* - 3/3

Abandoned in 2024
Lighthouse Library Mysteries - 2/4
The Burning - 1/2
Foreigner - 1/22

*Indicates series on audio

And now to see if I can write some reviews from my massive backlog.

Happy New Thread!

>6 clamairy: Thanks!

16. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman



The apocalypse will be televised!

It only takes a moment for the Earth to be destroyed with every building and everything in them to be reduced to rubble. The survivors are notified that they have a couple hours to enter the "world dungeon" and compete on the game show Dungeon Craweler World or they can take their chances on the destroyed surface of the planet. A man and his cat enter the dungeon. The universe has no idea just what kind of entertainment they're in for.

That description feels completely inadequate yet it's how the first chapter starts. Dungeon Crawler Carl is first in a fantasy series of the same name by Matt Dinniman. The story is absolutely absurd, as are the situations Carl (human) and Donut (cat) find themselves in. And it is just so much fun! The story alternates between heartbreaking, horrific and heartwarming while being hilarious and action packed. I have no idea how Dinniman did it but he did and I appreciate him for it.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Jeff Hayes. Jeff's narration is easily one of the best I've heard. Definitely listen to this on audio if you like that format. I've already listened to it twice it's such a great experience.

Rating:

17. Sourcery by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: Sourcery is the third in the Rincewind sub-series of Discworld. There is a plot of sorts that roams around (Sourcery vs Magic) but it seems to take a backseat to the characters. I found the story not quite as enjoyable upon reread though still entertaining. The humor just wasn't doing it for me this time around though I did enjoy the ending.

Rating:

Happy new thread! :)

Happy new thread!

Quite the launch for a new thread! As for the Pratchett re-read, is it possible that you just weren't in quite the right mood? Books can be laugh-out-loud funny but if you're not in the mood for a particular style of humor, they can fall a bit flat.

>10 Alexandra_book_life:, >11 quondame:, >12 jillmwo: Thanks!

>12 jillmwo: Anything is possible. I'd have to look to see when I was reading that if it was also one of the times my mom's health wasn't good. That could affect my reading enjoyment for sure.

I also appear to have not gotten past 2 reviews today. I may try for more tomorrow. In the mean while, my current reads...

I'm reading Edgedancer out of my copy of Arcanum Unbound. It includes 2 pages about the Roshar solar system which was fascinating. No idea if that little bit is in the printed or ebook of just the novella. Ch 1 The trees that feign death had me cracking up.

Lift is reminding me of Peter Pan. The girl that doesn't want to grow up.

I'm a little over half way through and that was a fascinating conversation Darkness had. So original Voidbringers are world hoppers? I wonder how that little fact will play out with the "leftover" Voidbringers aka Listeners. Seems like the Listeners have forgotten their history/origin.

Also, how did they find voidspren? Don't spren appear when their source/namesake is high? Where do you find lots of void?

Not Till We Are Lost Through Ch 54 I had been wondering for a while now if Daedalus and Icarus were going through wormholes that the rest of the Bobs had places since it's hard to tell where they are in time and some of the Bobs are also placing wormholes now. It kind of seems like maybe not? It's fascinating.

I'm also liking Howard and Bridgette's adventure. I hope they can help the dragons.

So sad that darn faction tried to bring back Homer. I miss him too but he turned himself off for a reason. I'm glad that part wasn't dragged out.

Happy New Thread!

>9 Narilka: & >12 jillmwo: Yeah, I bailed on this one as an audiobook back in 2013 and stuck to the Witches and Tiffany Aching after that.

Happy new thread!
>9 Narilka: Sourcery was not among my favourite Discworld books, as I recall. It's been a while since I read it, but I've not felt inclined to go back to it. Maybe one day I'll do a complete series read.

>15 Karlstar:, >17 Sakerfalcon: Thanks!

I finished Edgedancer last night. I liked the story a lot. So we've seen two Heralds in the world now. The returned one and the insane justice keeper. I liked Lift's character arc and alternate between liking the character and finding her annoying lol I feel for Wyndle. I like seeing the Oaths for the different orders. She's not a full Radiant yet but is well on her way. I had hoped she's take the old lady with her but oh well. The spren are pretty good guides when Heralds aren't murder hoboing their people.

I'm also curious about that formless creature thing. I'm guessing we'll see it or another of it's kind in the future.

Next up - Small Gods.

18. The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castell



Warmages. Huh. Yeah. What are they good for. Absolutely nothing...

I do like it when books remind me of songs.

Cade Ombra, a mercenary wonderist, is in a dangerous situation. He realizes that the people he works for are far less noble than him and has started to ask awkward questions. Cade finds himself on the run with his only friend, a homicidal thunder mage, who has talked him into a mission to kill the seven deadliest mages in existence. War mages are violent, angry and dangerously broken individuals who sell their skills to the highest bidder without regard for morals or ethics. This is likely suicide.

The Malevolent Seven is currently a stand alone fantasy novel by Sebastien de Castell. I picked up the book having enjoyed the author's "grimdark with humor" style in the past. While all the elements of things I enjoy are there - creative world building and types of magic, interesting characters, snarky humor - as a whole I found the read to be unsatisfying. All the characters are morally grey and it made it hard for me to root for anyone in particular though some show promise. The ending, while wrapping up some loose ends, was left wide open. It would be a great first book in a series and with that open ending it would be easy enough for the author to write more in this world some day.

Rating:

19. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: I really enjoyed this reread! Love all the banter between the witches, the nods to Shakespeare and Death's small cameo. Reading through the annotations on Lspace, I completely missed just how early Pratchett foreshadowed the ending. Very cleverly done.

Rating:

>19 Narilka: Now Small Gods IS one of my favourite Discworld books! I hope you enjoy it!

>21 Narilka: This might be my favorite Pratchett ever.

>22 Sakerfalcon: Me too :) Hope it's as good as it was my first time through.

>23 clamairy: I keep going back and forth on which is my favorite Witches :)

20. An End to All Tails by Andrew Seiple



The book's opening serves as the perfect story summary:

Once upon a time, there was a teddy bear.

After getting himself un-kidnapped by pirates, with much help from his friends, he found matters had only gotten more complicated back at home. Resolving to fix things, he flew on a borrowed airship to try and sort everything out.

But things were broken on a deeper level than he realized. And he had no clue at the time just how far he would have to go to get his loved ones the happy ending they deserved.

An End to All Tails is the sixth and (currentlly) final Threadbear novel by Andrew Seiple. The book acts as the final book for the entire Threadbearverse which includes two additional series - Blasphemy Online and Small Medium. Turns out it was OK not to complete the Blasphemy Online prequels. The first book of Blasphemy has enough background with introduction to the characters that join Threadbare in the end plus this book gives a great summary of where that series ended to provide the needed context. I would recommend finishing the Small Medium series before this one as it was not given as much detail (plus is genuinely a fun read in its own right) and it would be easy to be a bit puzzled about Chase and friends without it. I may go back to finish up Blasphemy anyway it sounds like Richard went on a pretty amazing quest.

Anyway, this book ties together all three series and answers exactly what was going on with that world and why. Is it a perfect ending? I like where most of the characters end up and found it an exciting and satisfactory read, if a bit rushed at the end. I'd also have liked a better answer with regards to the Player situation. Still it was a lot of fun and a nice ending.

Rating:

21. Game of Scones by Kim M Watt



"Miriam growled at the bottom of the sink, and helped herself to a large chunk of brownie from a tub she'd discovered earlier. If a day like this didn't call for generous servings of brownies, she wasn't sure what did."

Game of Scones is the fourth book in the Beaufort Scales Mysteries series by Kim M. Watt. Suspicious deaths and disappearances have been happening to Skipton city council members. When the councillor for Toot Hansell becomes the latest victim, Alice Martin knows she must take his place and find out what's really going on. With a little help from her friends of course.

This entry took quite a while to hook me with a much slower first half. The ending was the regular fun chaos that I've come to expect from Watt's books. I also enjoyed the reveal about Alice's past. It's great seeing even more magical creatures that live in this world. My favorite thing was Dandy going full mythological hound! Pretty great protection Adams has without even knowing it. Also that quote from Miriam - there's almost nothing a generous serving of brownies doesn't improve!

Rating:

23. Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman



New achievement! Congratulations, you've read another book. Pretty soon you'll be telling all you friends and joining a book club. Reward: Book 3's available. What are you waiting for?

This series is just so much fun. I love how much character growth and poignant moments there are mixed in with all the humor, irreverence and mayhem. The creativity with the race/class combos is just awesome. Carl is really living up to his!

Rating:

>26 Narilka: Who keeps brownies in a tub and how do you just 'discover' one?

>28 Karlstar: It's part of the culture for that village - lots and lots of baking. Hence the play on words titles for the books in the series.

22. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: This was just as enjoyable to read as it was last time. Never bet against a million-to-one chance. I'm looking forward to continuing with more of the Watch soon. Original review below.

----------------

Someone out there was about to find that their worst nightmare was a maddened Librarian. With a badge.

It's no secret I'm a huge Discworld fan and have a particular fondness for the Night Watch books. So I was quite excited when Guards! Guards! was chosen for my book club's September read. This reread did not disappoint! It was just as enjoyable as I remembered.

The Supreme Grand Master of the Elucidated Brethren of the Ebon Night has an idea: to overthrown the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork and install a puppet ruler while he not-so-secretly rules the city from behind the throne. How to acheive such a feat? Locate the long lost heir to the throne, have him defeat a dragon and install him as king. Using a book he stole from Unseen University the Supreme Grand Master goes about setting his plot in motion. What could possibly go wrong?

Guards! Guards! is the 8th Discworld novel and the start of the Watch sub-series. As with most Discworld books it takes several familiar concepts from mythology and common fantasy tropes, shakes them up, adds a twist and gives the story it's own unique Discworld flavor. This time around it's secret societies, the origins of dragons and their nature, a by-the-book cop, ritual magic, the danger of libraries (knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass), how to make a king, humans being the real monsters, million-to-one chances and more.

It is also the first book that is set entirely within Ankh-Morpork. The city comes to life in such detail that in some ways almost becoming a character itself. In Vimes's words:

The city wasa, wasa, wasa wossname. Thing. Woman. That's what it was. Woman. Roaring, ancient, centuries old. Strung you along, let you fall in thingy, love, then kicked you inna, inna, thingy. Thingy, in your mouth. Tongue. Tonsils. Teeth. That's what it, she, did. She wasa ... thing, you know, lady dog. Puppy. Hen. Bitch. And then you hated her and, and just when you thought you'd got her, it, out of your whatever, then she opened her great booming rotten heart to you, caught you off bal, bal, bal, thing. Ance. Yeah. Thassit. Never knew where where you stood. Lay. Only one thing you were sure of, you couldn't let her go. Because, because she was yours, all you had, even in her gutters...

Speaking of Vimes, this is our first introduction to him and the other members of the Watch. Vimes goes on one heck of a character arc in this book and throughout the series. He starts as a down in the gutter drunk to being quite the detective and able leader of the Watch. It is great fun to read. The remaining members of Watch are: Lance Constable Carrot, a 6'6" dwarf (he's adopted) and very literal minded when it comes to the Book of Law; Corporal Nobby Nobs; and Sargent Colon. The imposing and advocate for swamp dragons, Lady Sybil Ramkin makes her first appearance. Lord Vetinari, the enigmatic Patrician and ruler of Ankh-Morpork character is fleshed out into who he will be for the remainder of the series. His relationship with Vimes and how he rules the city in general is fascinating.

For anyone looking for a good place to start their Discworld adventure I highly recommend Guards! Guards!. It's a great introduction to the world, Pratchett's style of humor and it's cast of recurring characters. This one is a favorite of mine.

Rating:

>29 Narilka: Thanks, I need to be part of this culture! I did like the word play in the title.

>31 Karlstar: You and me both :)

I think I've gone as far as I my brain likes today playing catch up on reviews. I'll try to knock a few more out tomorrow.

So I got started with Small Gods. Pratchett is endlessly quotable. Another one of my favorites from the first few pages:

Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you.

Also from the first few pages Ahh the monks of history. Lu-Tze taking his mountain with him to visit Omnia because "the climate will be good for them." lol

>31 Karlstar: My husband was on this wavelength lol He went out for "hurricane supplies" and brought home everything to make us oreo icecream sundays lol While not technically baked goods I think it's close enough :D We are well inland and only expected to get some wind and rain so not overly worried at the moment.

>34 Narilka: Good luck, I hope that's all you get.

>35 Karlstar: All is well. The storm's path shifted enough overnight to keep us out of its direct path.

24. Siege Tactics by Drew Hayes



Siege Tactics is the fourth book in the Spells, Swords and Stealth series by Drew Hayes. With the Grand Quest concluded the party decides it's time to seek better answers to the mystery of the Bridge and to try to understand Gabrielle's new.... condition. The party sets off for Lumal, a city said to hold the most knowledge in the kingdom.

This is another good, if long, entry in the series. Through an unexpected circumstance, the characters both do and don't achieve their goal. It seems that each book focuses on a specific character in particular and it was nice to see Timiscore's advancement. I'm sure that will have an impact on the party's future. I also feel for Thistle. I'm very curious to see how Thistle's new motivation will interact with where Timiscore ended up. I also like just how much real life is intertwining with the game world now.

What's odd about this story is that while I like what the characters have uncovered, for all the action they go through it doesn't feel like things moved forward as much as I'd have thought it would.

Rating:

25. The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman



New achievement: You've read at least three books. What are you, a book collecting mole man? What are you planning to do, open a book shop? You need a new hobby. And a life. Reward: Since we can't stop you, you might as well move on to book 4 immediately.

I am so impressed with how layered this story is. There are so many elements - from the best and the worst of humanity to the absolutely insane scenarios the crawlers end up in, and solving in highly creative ways, and everything in between. It was a roller coaster ride on so many levels. I'm really glad we got to see everyone pull together on this floor to show what's possible when people work together to solve a floor in this crazy horror show of a game. I absolutely did not see the twist coming with Hekla though it was satisfying how it all worked out. On the downside, I'm starting to care about more of the side characters. It's going to suck when something happens to them. I'm assuming it's only a matter of time.

On to the next book and whatever fresh hell the dungeon has in store next for Carl, Donut, Katya and Mongo.

Rating:

26. Foreigner by CJ Cherryh



Foreigner is the first in the Foreigner series by CJ Cherryh. While the back of my book says this is a story of first contact, events occur a couple hundred years after that contact with the plot revolving around how humanity interacts with the natives of the planet in the time since landing.

This was very interesting. The book starts with two prologues that provide the background for the setting of the story to come. Once the narrative actually start, the story is told entirely from the point of view of Bren, the human diplomat for a local ruler (leader?) on an alien world. Cherryh did a great job of making the Atevi feel both familiar and other. I noticed some Asian inspirations and yet they were definitely not human. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Bren's character very much and could've used another POV to mix things up. I'm not sure I'll continue this series as I do not want to be in Bren's head for 20+ books, unless someone can say if he matures quickly?

This was my first time reading any of Cherryh's works. I think I'll go check out some of her other series.

Rating:

27. Playing the Matrix by Mike Dooley



Playing the Matrix is a program created by Mike Dooley to help people achieve transformation in their lives by combining the Law of Attraction with Holographic Universe concepts. Dooley has created a handy chart (aka, a matrix) to help guide you through the process, with frequent reminders that "thoughts become things" and to keep things big picture without attaching to the details. Life will surprise you if you let it! This is a great guide for anyone new to LoA or who hasn't had as much success with LoA as they'd like. Dooley's method is easy to understand and you can feel his enthusiasm and love for the subject on every page. While most of this information can be found for free across the internet, it's nice to have it all in one book for easy reference.

Rating:

28. Eric by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: While not as laugh out loud funny as some of the other Rincewind novels, this was still entertaining. Original review below.

------------

Eric is Discworld's only demonology hacker. All he wants is three wishes granted: the mastery of all kingdoms, to meet the most beautiful woman who ever existed, and to live forever. Unfortunately, instead of a powerful demon he conjures...Rincewind. Eric is disappointed as Rincewind tells him he is unable to create any of these things. It's not like he can actually make things happen at the snap of his fingers.

Eric is the parody retelling of Faust, Discworld style. Eric picks up right where Sourcery leaves of, with Rincewind stuck in the Dungeon Dimensions. The story is a quick, fun read with a great anti-hero in Rincewind. Pratchett humorously explores the idea of evil and that demons can learn from us humans (the concept of paperwork, for instance) as well as poking fun at a bit of history.

Rating:

>39 Narilka: I agreed with you after my first reading of Foreigner but something about it stayed in my head and I reread it. On the second time I enjoyed it a lot more and have continued with the series. However, I highly recommend the Chanur books, which I loved from the first moment.

29. The Ultimate Book of Fun Things to Do in Retirement Volume 1 by S. C. Francis



What a great ideas book! While primarily aimed at seniors that are either retired or about to retire, I think this book is great for anyone to read and get ideas for new things to try in your own life. The book is quite thorough and well thought out. I liked all the website and book references that can jump start your own research into a potential hobby or activity. Sometimes it got a little repetitive as some items over lapped categories so ended up listed several times. The items ranged from free or low cost to sky's the limit, from things to do at home to traveling the world, and everything in between. I highlighted many items myself for further review and to possibly try out later.

Rating:

>42 Sakerfalcon: Good to hear. I have the first Chanur on my wishlist :)

>44 Narilka: I have really enjoyed the Foreigner series, (22 books so far!). In the ninth book, Cherryh does split the narrative between Bren and another viewpoint character. Each perspective remains in tight third-person though so the writing style doesn't change very much. With Foreigner, it's good to keep in mind that the series is split into sub-trilogies. Each book ends with a bunch of loose threads that are mostly resolved by the third book in each trilogy. The overall story arc continues though so this is not a series to read out of order.

I am a bit of an outlier with Chanur. I found the action in them repetitive. The structure is also strange as there is a first book, then a trilogy, which is followed by a fifth book with a different protagonist. Structurally, it didn't really work for me - but the perspective being completely non-human was interesting. This is another series that should not be read out of order.

Her Alliance-Union universe is also very good. Most of those can be read as stand-alone, with the exception of Heavy Time and Hellburner, which should be read in that order. Cyteen and Regenesis also need to be read in order, and I suggest experiencing Forty Thousand in Gehenna as the events in that book are tangentially mentioned in the duology.

A short trilogy that I really enjoyed is The Faded Sun. One thing Cherryh does exceptionally well is write aliens that are truly alien and not just, "humans in rubber suits".

Sorry, this ended up longer than I intended when starting to type... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

>45 ScoLgo: No apology needed. That was good information. It's this One thing Cherryh does exceptionally well is write aliens that are truly alien and not just, "humans in rubber suits". that I want to give another series or two of hers a try. What about her Fortress series?

I agree with ScoLgo about the need to read the Foreigner series in order. Personally I have read other books by Cherryh as stand-alone novels -- Pride of Chanur and Hunter of Worlds. They may somehow fit into the narrative structure he outlines in #45, but it's not an issue if you read them as one-shot novels. I really liked the aliens in Hunter of Worlds.

>46 Narilka: I own around 40 of her books in print but don't have any of the Fortress books. There is an omnibus of it on my Overdrive wish list tho! ;)

Edit: >47 jillmwo: I want to read Hunter of Worlds but haven't run across a copy. Another good couple of stand-alone Cherryh novels are Cuckoo's Egg and Wave Without a Shore. All three are loosely related to Alliance-Union but can be read on their own.

>39 Narilka: This was one of our earliest group reads. I did enjoy it, and I believe I even bought a few more of the books in the series, but I never picked them up.

>47 jillmwo: >48 ScoLgo: >49 clamairy: Thanks for the input. I put a few on my wish list now so I can keep an eye out for them.

>39 Narilka: Like >42 Sakerfalcon: I recommend the Chanur books as being the most accessible of Cherryh's series, though I love the Foreigner series. She has so many series, that offer quite a bit of variety, so lack of enthusiasm for one is not a reliable filter for all of them. I like all of them, though sometimes her language/style choices seem overly complex.
Do not read The Russian Stories in any sort of a depressed mood.

>51 quondame: Thanks for the input :)

Updates on current reads...

I finished Not Till We Are Lost yesterday. I greatly enjoyed being back with the Bobs and in a more Boblike story. There's lots of interesting threads for the author to continue with since immortality means there is always a new problem or project going on. Icarus and Daedalus's story line remained my favorite throughout.

My next audio is The Eye of the Bedlam Bride. Posting reviews for the previous books made me miss Carl and Donut. I started this morning and Donut's recap was great. Then that prologue was interesting. So that's why Mordecai is furious with Odette! I can sympathize and find it interesting that the intervening years haven't changed his thoughts much, especially now that he knows a lot more about how the whole thing is run. Skyfowl must be great at holding grudges. I am both surprised and also not that Donut changed their starting location. This floor will be interesting. Ch 1 The only myth I can think of that might apply to Cuba is the chupacabera. I'm debating internet searching or letting the story surprise me. I know very little about Carribean myths in general. It also sounds like Donut's new class will be pretty awesome. I laughed out loud at the fact that everyone thinks Carl broke floor 7 lol

>53 Narilka: That's great news about the Bob audiobook. I think that's up next for me after I finish the two audiobooks I'm working on.

>54 clamairy: I hope you enjoy it too :)

More thoughts on current reads...

Small Gods Around 26% Vorbis is horrible. Hope he gets his comeuppance in an appropriate manner. It's been long enough that I no longer remember his fate. He was already horrible to Om by trapping him upside down and now the dolphin scene even though it's off page.

>46 Narilka: Belated answer to your query about the Fortress series. I've read the first three and they are richly-detailed, slow-burning, character-based fantasies. They are beautifully written. While there aren't any aliens in the books, the central character of Tristan was created by a magician and comes into the world as a blank slate. Innocent and knowing nothing, his view of the world is that of a total outsider. It's a fascinating series but one that needs time and concentration.

>57 Sakerfalcon: That sounds interesting too. I'll keep it on my wishlist to keep an eye out for it but knowing that it will be a lower priority read for the moment. Thanks!

In my current read...

The Eye of the Bedlam Bride Through Ch 13 I'm not sure about the whole trading card game aspect of the floor. I guess it's a wait and see. If it was any other author I'd assume it would be pretty boring to read since I'm not into that type of game.

Wow, poor Carl. That was a pretty horrible child hood. I mean we knew from previous that his dad was an abuser and his early life wasn't really great but wow. I do think the show presenter gave him enough of a hint though. I'm impressed.

The Eye of the Bedlam Bride Oh dear lord lol Started Ch 15 This godly thorn room is insane lol

Finished Ch 15 and I think it just got worse for them.

Through Ch 19 At least there's a plan for Katya & Donut's crown problem. The fact that 2 of the 3 options are in their favor helps with the odds a bit.

The foot scene... I wish I could unhear that! The AI is depraved.

There is no way Sister Inez won't be a problem. Hopefully they resolve that one way or another before the end of the floor.

I can't wait for them to catch up with Samantha.

The Eye of the Bedlam Bride I'm in ch 26 They just flagged the crab guy and they're about to meet up with Samantha and Che (spelling?) Maria. I admit a little apprehension because I sort of don't want Samantha to get a body again. She's just so hilarious as a disembodied head lol That will also probably enrage her and will make for an interesting fight or something. If anyone had told me 6 months ago that I'd be rooting for an animated sex doll's head I'd have thought they were crazy hahaha I'll find out in a few hours :)

I finished Small Gods. This was a deep and philosophical read. I am reminded again of the nature of belief and just how much I enjoy it when Pratchett makes me think. I'm very glad to have reread this.

I think I'm going to try The Last Murder at the End of the World next.

>62 Narilka: Adding it to my TBR. I guess I have to read Pyramids first... LOL

>62 Narilka: >63 clamairy: You folks are making me want to read Pratchett again. I've read some of his books but not all.

>63 clamairy: No need at all. The books feature different characters though share some themes and the basic Discworld setting. You could jump straight to Small Gods no problem.

>65 Narilka: Good, because I've already ready Hogfather.

My mom died today. I'm finding it difficult to read so will be taking a break. I know not to try and force this kind of thing. Take care all and let your loved ones know that you love them.

I'm so sorry. Losing a parent is very hard. Wishing comfort for you and your family ((hug))

>67 Narilka: I'm so sorry. Do whatever can bring you comfort and peace. Deepest condolences.

>67 Narilka: So sorry. Be kind to yourself and do whatever you need to do. {{{Hugs}}}

>67 Narilka: I'll be thinking of you. Do what you need to in this sad and stressful time.

>67 Narilka: Very sorry to hear that. Condolences to your and your family.

>67 Narilka: I am very sorry to hear that. I hope you have people around you that can support you and give you comfort. Take care of yourself.

>67 Narilka: So sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and the family & friends.

>67 Narilka: Like others above, and from a long way away, I can only offer all possible condolences.

>67 Narilka: Oh Gale, I am so deeply sorry. Please take some time for yourself. I will be holding you and yours in the light.

>67 Narilka: No words suffice, but you are in my heart today.

>67 Narilka: I'm so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and hoping that you, your family, and friends can support each other.

Thanks for the kind wishes everyone. They are much appreciated. We are taking it day by day and starting to chip away at all those things that have to happen after such an event. It's a lot! It has also been a blessing in disguise as I've reconnected with some family that I'd lost touch with and that has been lovely. Much love to you all, my LT family.

I am slowly working my way back to reading. I was able to finish a nonfiction book, Tax Alpha Solutions, which I'd won in a GoodReads Giveaway. It serves as a nice introduction for potential outside of the box tax solutions for high-net-worth individuals. The topics were covered only at a high level so additional reading/research would be required to learn more about any of the topics. While I'm not the target audience for the book, I did find a couple things that could be helpful and need to look further into for myself.

I'm going to attempt a short story next and see if I can do some fiction.

I read the short story Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson. It's a creepy and atmospheric entry that follows Silence Montane, who runs an inn in the middle of a haunted forest that's known as a safe place for travelers. Silence has a dangerous side job of bounty hunting that brings in most of the income she needs to keep the inn running. This story is about one of Silence's side jobs that doesn't go as planned.

Sanderson's world building is top notch. I would not want to be wandering this forest alone at night, though that might be safest. Silence is a strong lead with a brutal past and is fairly fleshed out for how short this story is. I liked how the story comes full circle at the end. Hopefully we get a full length novel in this world some day.

I'm going for it and am going to give Oathbringer a try next.

>81 Narilka: I loved this story! It's one of my favourite things that I've read by Sanderson.

>81 Narilka: Grief emerges differently every time you're faced with a new loss. One day at a time. And above all, have patience with yourself.

I read Shadows for Silence in the Forests a while back but any work from Sanderson is usually up to a rereading. It's a good length -- long enough to build a sense of the characters but not so long that you grow tired of their struggles.

>83 jillmwo: It's definitely a process. It comes and goes as I figure out how to make room for the loss. I don't think we ever really "get over" these things. We just get used to them.

I listened to a bunch of The Eye of the Bedlam Bride and finished it. Here are my notes... Through Ch 37 The first summoning of Uzi Jesus was hilarious.

The destruction of the Desperado was classic Carl chaos that he had almost nothing to do with hah Katya needs to eat the orchid asap and let Batista figure it out. He's a smart guy, he'll make it.

Odette's story is sad. It seems sincere. And can help Carl's main goal to break the system. I really hope she's honest and they can pull it off.

A Gold Prepotente box LOL And it screamed when opening lol Love it.

Through Ch 55 Ahh, so the AI is going rogue and taking over. That's interesting. Seems it might be screwing over the show runners too. Plus a lot of the aliens that came planetside to prep for faction wars? I'm glad that all the factions trying to get out of the event were denied. Or was it the demon thing that has caught the people on planet?

This has gotten complicated.

That flashback to Carl not getting the slugs cured and taking a ring instead seems like a really bad idea. I'm wondering if this will end up a Chekhov's Gun type thing. Though in this book or a future one?

The insanity on the beach with Sister Inez has started.

Through Ch 60. This book is making me sad. That the AI/game is forcing people to die by not having enough keys. I didn't feel bad about Qwan's death. Ren's scene, even though I'm not attached to her specifically, was hard. I really hope this series ends with Carl and Donut (and as many of the others as they can) burning it all down.

I finished yesterday and I still have an audio book hangover. Not sure I'll start a new audio book for a day or two.

That was completely nuts lol I think I say that at the end of each floor. And yet another set up for the next book that's going to be a hell of a ride. I'm highly impressed that Donut and the Princess Posse coordinated to bring in that many former crawlers. There is a lot of anger in the universe about this show and those factions have no idea what they're in for. Hell, Donut probably doesn't know the sheer numbers that their army is about to grow by since they went down the stairs before the ship gained entry.

I'm so glad that Prepotente seems to have forgiven Carl. I really hope they group with him again.

That ending with Imani hit me in the feels. He called her family.

I can't decide if I hope Carl gets rid of the Eye ASAP or if he figures out an alternate use for it like he did those slugs.

I think the AI is on Carl's side in it's own way, even disregarding the foot fetish. Faction wars are going to be interesting.

I have no idea how to write a review for this book.

Preorder for DCC7 is up on Audible. Release date is showing Feb 11. I know what I'll be listening to this coming Feb.

Yep, my preorder is in. The stakes get higher with each installment and I'm anxious about what is coming.

>86 Darth-Heather: No kidding. Heck parts of book 6 gave me anxiety while listening!

Oathbringer Prologue. Huh. Did I read that right? Did Gavilar just give the Listeners a void spren in a gem, starting the whole insane war to unite his people? Lordy.

Through Ch 10 I'm glad Kaladin got the punch in on Roshone and stopped. He could've broken his oath if he'd gone too far yet was still satisfying. He's also learning that you can't go home - it's never the same as when you left.

It's also nice being back with these characters after a month off.

Dalinar's flashback and the description of the Thrill. I can't decide if it's like going berserk but retaining control, a sort of battle-lust, or if it's a little like the rhythms of the listeners.

>84 Narilka: Yes. Some people call it healing, I call it growing accustomed to the pain. Still sending good thoughts your way.

>89 clamairy: Thanks Clare. It's much appreciated.

Oathbringer Through Ch 14. Pattern is adorable lol "No mating!"

Also, I thought the math joke was hilarious. I'm a geek.

"What," Pattern said with a hum, "is a chaperone?"

"That is someone who watches two young people when they are together, to make certain they don't do anything inappropriate."

"Inappropriate?" Pattern said. "Such as... dividing by zero?"

hehehehe

I like that Kaladin is seeing a different side of the "voidbringers." I'm thinking the former parshmen might not live up to the fables though it seems like the listeners do. All those years as peaceful salves must not be easy to change on a dime.

The spren might be my favorite characters so I'm glad we will meet more. Or I assume we will given the whole world set up.

Oathbringer Through Ch 19 Interesting that stormlight healed Dalinar enough to remember his wife. I guess that curse was messing up parts of his soul or something.

I'm not sure I like Shallan's current trajectory. She isn't dealing well with the truth she had to reveal and can't bury any more. In fact she isn't dealing with it at all. I see why there was mention of multiple personality disorder as she tries to hide in other personas to escape her truth. Pretty sure it won't work long term, not if she's meant to stay a Radiant, and probably why Pattern thinks she'll kill him. I know it's still early yet and I'm thinking she'll come around enough to be functional when the main action starts at the end of the book. Or not. RAFO.

Dalinar's backstory is interesting and also uninteresting at the same time. 3 flashbacks basically the same - showing how he's a great brute of a fighter and bad with people. Which explains how poor he is at diplomacy currently. He's been terrible at it his whole life.

Finished Part 1 and Interludes. That unmade was interesting. I guess more on that later in the book.

I'm glad Jasnah is back :)

I definitely see Shallan's multiple personalities forming. Hope it doesn't go to far. She sort of has control still.

Venli's interlude was sad. And also interesting. A redemption spren? Did we see that little comet spren before, the one by Eshoni's body?

Oathbringer I'm through Ch 42. I think I see how this could have been shorter. All the extra POVs! Getting POV chapters for some of Bridge 4's members is interesting but they could've been cut and the important parts put in Kaladin's chapters. I didn't need to read about Teft's drug addiction. Nor Rock's reunion with his family though it was sweet. I get that Sanderson wants this to feel like a real, lived in world. It already does to me based on the two previous books and didn't need extras as much. Kind of like the interludes that are there just to show off other areas of Roshar that have no impact or input on the main story at all. They could easily have been in a short story collection instead of adding a couple hundred pages to the main books.

I'm also past the part that explains how Gavilar was part of that cult to bring back the desolations in an attempt to force the Heralds to appear and bring back Radiants. /facepalm

I'm also getting annoyed with Shallan. Her version of dissociative disorder isn't that much fun to read about. It feels more like she's cosplaying roles at her conscious decision to avoid tasks "Shallan" doesn't want to do yet still accomplish. "Shallan" has good intentions and is rubbish at following through on things but "Veil" is good at follow through so I'll let "Veil" do it. Even Pattern told her to just be more of an adult! The acting experience can be highly useful if she fully leans in to the spy-like role she's giving herself.

I hate to say it but this is becoming a chore to read. I don't doubt there will be a spectacular wind up to an exciting finish. I just wished I enjoyed the journey more. Especially since WOR was about perfect.

I started an audio book titled Heretical Fishing. It's a cozy cultivation fantasy about a guy who was a CEO and is transported into a fantasy world after he dies in our world. There are some litrpg elements though they've been very minor so far as the story follows Fischer (ex-CEO) who just wants to enjoy some fishing in his next life. I'm enjoying the story immensely as I find it relaxing, funny and adorable with some of the animals Fischer has awakened.

Through 50% It's mostly a fantasy farming world where somehow, unexplained, the gods left and now fishing is a heretical pastime. Fischer is a likable guy so his new neighbors look past his odd hobby, especially given how helpful he is.

He has a crab he's named Sargent Snips and now an adorable otter named Corporal Claws :) I'm guessing that Snips and Claws are going to bring the lobster that Snips found to Fischer for awakening. Won't that be funny when the cult guy finds out, if I'm guessing correctly. There's a cult that worships lobsters lol

I'm also wondering how many people in the village Fischer will end up start on the path to cultivation. So far he has accidentally awoken his neighbor Barry. At least Fischer figured out that his food does the trick. It could be a bad time for the folks in the capital that are trying to keep it all well controlled lol

There's a potential romantic interest. It's light in tone. I could see her being one of the people he also ends up awakening.

Oathbringer Finished part 2! So that's Odium. Very interesting. I'm curious if he's the one who sent the visions or is just piggy backing on one to talk to Dalinar.

Poor Dalinar - Lift is going to visit soon lol there goes Urithuru!

While I don't like Moash as a character, I am liking his chapters for a look at the enemy. So many of the Fused are insane. And they get a new body from a regular Parshman when the die? I think that's what that lady indicated.

Second set of Interludes. The soulcaster's POV was interesting. It highlights what Jasnah said in book 1 about that being a dangerous and difficult ability. I wonder if they all end up that way or if it's different for a Radiant that can also soulcast.

And more insight into Odium and his.. um.. champions? Not sure that's the right word but it will do. It confirms that yes, the old souls do take over bodies of currently living Parshendi/Parshmen and send their souls on to whatever happens next. It's a tad creepy.

Through Ch 61 Ahh, they're off on the expedition to the capital. This is very interesting! I'm sure it won't go as planned though the mix of espionage and action will be fun :) Also funny that Shallan gave Kaladin such a horrible face lol

>94 Narilka: Not sure if I'm the right audience for Heretical Fishing but you certainly make it sound intriguing.

>94 Narilka: I'm not entirely sure that Heretical Fishing is right for me either, but as >96 jillmwo: said, it sounds intriguing. I note that the author lives "on the beautiful shores of the Gold Coast, Australia", according to Amazon. (Although some might quibble with the description of the Gold Coast as beautiful, there are parts of it that are pretty good.) Unfortunately, the pb is A$40 from Amazon Australia. I can see why the local libraries don't have it.

>96 jillmwo: >97 haydninvienna: He's an Australian author and the audio book has an Australian narrator. It's funny that the main character is also from Australia and uses some of your common slang that confuses the fantasy world locals hehe I'm not sure if I've caught it all myself though he does explain it at times. I used an Audible credit so didn't look at other formats until just now. It's a KU title in the States if you're a member, currently $5 for ebook and $22 for paperback. No idea about the rest of the world. It appears the first 8 chapters of book 1 is still up on Royal Road if you wanted to give it a try - https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/67114/heretical-fishing-a-cozy-guide-to-annoyi...

>98 Narilka: I was reading an excerpt from the kindle on Amazon UK (no kindle in Australia, seemingly — way to go, Amazon, supporting Australian authors) and I propped at the reference to an esky at the beginning of the second para of the prologue. "Esky" is another of the brand names that has become "genericised", although I see that Coleman (a US company) has bought it. I'm not happy about that, but I doubt that it will make much difference: most Australians will go on calling a cooler an "esky" regardless of the name on it, just as a paper tissue is a kleenex regardless of the name of n the box.

>99 haydninvienna: I am shocked that there's no Kindle in Australia. Seems like Amazon is missing a huge market.

>94 Narilka: It does sound intriguing and fun. Happy reading!

Heretical Fishing through Ch 74 Aww, that's so nice that Barry, Claws and Snips are planning a way to keep Fischer protected since cultivators in this world tend to be forcibly restrained. I hope we are let in on the plan before the book is finished.

Fischer and Maria's camping trip is sweet and G rated. She enjoys fishing way too much now that she's tried it lol I don't enjoy the sport myself though the author has made it entertaining. It helps that the characters get bites a few minutes after casting the line into the water.

Snips and Claws have grown powerful. I wonder if Fischer could do similar if he tried or what his power would be based on. They dealt with the prince and his cultivators well and I expect some complications. Though with Leroy back home, that should be a help. Plus I think Barry is going to awaken his wife.

Fischer has a lot of changes he's coming home to hah

Oathbringer Through Ch 68 Hoid's back. I don't know if that's good or bad for our little group looking to liberate Kholinar since he wasn't brought to help Shallan. Also it's interesting insight that he knows to go where he's needed but doesn't always know why. I'm looking forward to his series whenever they get written.

I liked Dalinar's conversation with Lift. I like Lift more as a character since reading her novella. I do wish he'd asked for a demonstration of her slipperiness. He'd have enjoyed that.

Through 76 It's sad that Dalinar caused his wife's death though not surprising. Plus it's not entirely his fault. Why would she ever think it was a good idea to go to the city he's planning to burn to stop him? He tried her way and it failed spectacularly with him buried under a mound of boulders, only living due to shard plate and him needing to let out his rage. How could she have thought that would be a good idea?? Their marriage was really a bad match with their different world views for where they were at in life at that point.

Given his flashbacks I also don't understand why Dalinar is baffled that no one wants to work with him. I liked his epiphany when he finally goes to that one city, sees how it's nearly destroyed with its people suffering and the ruler just can't focus on other things right now but her people's immediate problems of survival. He's finally learning empathy. I hope it's not a one off.