Majkia (Jean) and the Quantum Entanglement of Reading - 2023

Hi everyone. Back for more. Hoping to be more engaged this year, to get over my introversive penchant for lurking and not saying much.

Tickers:

July Reading Plans

1. Sci Fi: The Prefect , Outland , Ancillary Mercy
   
2. SFF:
   
3. Mystery/Thriller: the Man With a Load of Mischief
   
4. Historical/Alt: The King's Spy
   
5. Classics: Fell Murder
   
6. TBR Challenge: The Ophiuchi Hotline
   
7. Bookspin:
   
8. Roll100: The Grey King , The Merchant's War , Record of a Spaceborn Few
   

🎵 The Prefect - Alastair Reynolds
🕮 The King's spy - Andrew Swanston

Books Read:

1. Crimes Against Magic - Steve McHugh - Series: Hellequin #1
2. Flesh House - Stuart MacBride - Series:Logan McCrae #4
3. Hyperion - Dan Simmons - Series: Hyperion Cantos #1
4. Over Sea, Under Stone - Susan Cooper - Series: The Dark Is Rising #1
5. Absolution Gap - Alastair Reynolds - Series: Absolution Gap #4
6. Dorsai! - Gordon R. Dickson - Series: Childe cycle #1
7. Queen of Crows - Myke Cole - Series: Sacred Throne #2
8. The Killing Light - Myke Cole - Series: Sacred Throne #3
9. Sufficiently Advanced Magic - Andrew Rowe - Series: Arcane Ascension #1 - 623
10. Ancillary Justice - Ann Leckie - Series: Imperial Radch #1
11. In The Ocean of Night- Gregory Benford - Series: Galactic Center #1
12. Careless in Red - Elizabeth George - Series: Lynley/Havers #15 -
13. Kidnapped - Robert Lewis Stevenson
14. A Dragon of a Different Color - Rachel Aaron - Series: Heartstrikers #4
15. The Benefit of Hindsight - Susan Hill - Series: Simon Serrailler #10
16. A Divided Loyalty - Charles Todd Series: Ian Rutledge #22
17. Vanguard: Genesis Fleet - Jack Campbell - Adm Geary #12
18. Dead Witch Walking - Kim Harrison - Series: The Hollows #1
19. The Stardust Thief - Chelsea Abdullah - Series: Sandsea #1
20.Jade City - Fonda Lee - Series: Green Bone Saga #1
21. Death Between the Vines - G J Bellamy - Series: Brent Umber #1
22. Jade War - Fonda Lee - Series: Green Bone Saga #2
23. Innate Magic - Shannon Fay - DNF
24. Jade Legacy - Fonda Lee - Series: Green Bone Saga #3 - 678 pages
25. Infinite - Jeremy Robinson - Series: Infinite #1
26. Grey Sister - Mark Lawrence - Series: Book of the Ancestors#2 - 416 pages
27. Wicked Autumn - G.M. Malliet - Series: Max Tudor #1 - Pages 320
28. The Dark Between the Stars - Kevin J. Anderson - Series: Saga of Seven suns #8 - 692 pages
29. Court of Broken Knives - Anna Smith Spark - Series: Empire of Dust #1 - 512 pages
30. The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Nghi Vo Series: Singing Hills #1
31. Shadow Magic - Patricia C. Wrede - Series: Lyra #1 - 328 pages
32. Ashes of the Sun - Django Wexler - Series: Buring Blade and Silver Eye #1 - 592 Pages
33. Gridlinked - Neal Asher - Series: Ian Cormac #1 - 532 pages
34. The Golem and the Jinni - Helene Wecker - Series: Golem and Jinni #1, 496 pages
35. The Appeal - Janice Hallett - 448 pages
36. Atlas Six - Olivie Blake - Series: Atlas Six #1 - DNF
37. Senlin Ascends - Josiah Bancroft - Series: Books of Babel #1 - 448 pages
38. Blind Eye - Stuart MacBride - Series: Logan McRae #5 - 496 pages
39. Love and Death Among the Cheetahs - Rhys Bowen - Series: Her Royal Spyness#13 - pages 304
40. Drive - James S.A. Corey
41. The Butcher of Anderson Station - James S.A. Corey
42. The Dark is Rising - Susan Cooper
43. The Sundering - Walter Jon Williams
44. A Change of Circumstance - Susan Hill - Series: Simon Serallier #11
45. Murder In Old Bombay - Nev March - Series: JimAgnohorti #1
46. Born of Hatred - Steve McHugh - Series: Hellequin #2
47. Blood of the Cosmos - Kevin J. Anderson - Series: Saga of Seven Suns #9 - 608 pages
48. Eternity's Mind - Kevin J. Anderson - Series: Saga of the Seven Suns #10 - 576 pages
49. The Two of Swords - K J Parker - Series: Two of Swords - 512 pages
50. Arabella of Mars - David D Levine - Series: Arabella #1 - 416 pages
51. A Deadly Education - Naomi Novik - Scolomance #1 - 336 pages
52. Leviathan Wakes - James S A Corey - Series: the Expanse #1 - 592
53. The Clan Corporate - Charles Strolss - Series: Merchant Princes #3 - 320 pages
54. Witch of the Federation - Michael Anderle - Series: Federal Histories #1 - 627 Pages
55. Ascendant - Jack Campbell - Series: Geary #13 - 368 pages
56. The Stone in the Skull - Elizabeth Bear - Series: Lotus Kingdom #1 - 368 pages
57. Glass Houses - Louise Penny - Series:Three Pines #13 - 400 Pages
58. City of Brass - S A Chakraborty - Series: Daevabad #1 - 544 pages
59. An Untimely Frost - Penny Richards - Series: Lilly Long #1 - 288 pages
60. Kingdom of Copper - S A Chakraborty - Series: Daevabad #2 - 640 pages
61. Quantum Space - Douglas Phillips - Series: Quantum #1 - 362 pages
62. Ancillary Sword - Ann Leckie - Series: Imperial Radsch #2 - 400 pages
63. Blitz - Daniel O'Malley - Series: The Rook Files #3 - 688 pages
64. Greenwitch - Susan Cooper - Series: The Dark Is Rising #3 - 192 pages
65. Triumphant - Jack Campbell - Series: Gensis Fleet #3 - 336 pages
66. Gods and Men: Ruins of the Earth - Christopher Hopper - Series: Ruins of the Earth #2 - Pages: 498
67. Clean Sweep - Ilona Andrews- Series: Inkeeper 1 - Pages: 235
68. Gallant - V E Schwab - pages 352
69. Infamous Reign - Steve McHugh - Series: Hellequin #2.5 - pages 87
70. Empire of Gold - S.A. Chakraborty Series: The Daevabad Trilogy #3 816 pages
71. Battle Mage - Peter A Flannery - 652 pages
72. The Long Chain - Dan Willis - Series: Arcane Casebook #3 - 316 pages
73. Holy Sister - Mark Lawrence - Series: Book of the Ancestor #3 - 336 pages

And, crap I forgot to change the year on the title.

>4 majkia: Do you want it changed to 2023?

>5 Karlstar: yes, please

Done!

>7 Karlstar: you're a doll. Thanks :)

>8 majkia: My pleasure. Happy new thread and early happy new year!

Thanks! Happy New Year to you as well.

Wishing Everyone A Great Year.

Happy New Year and happy reading!

Happy New Year, and Happy New Thread.

Wishing you good reading for 2023.

1. Crimes Against Magic - Steve McHugh - Series: Hellequin #1


Last year I accidentally picked up Magic Reborn which I enjoyed but noted all the background I didn't know about. So I returned to -re-read this book and read the rest of the first series.

I can certainly see the progress McHugh has made. This book is not nearly as well put together as Sorcery Reborn so I'll be happy to see his progress as I work my way through the series.

As for the book itself, I really enjoyed the main characters and the plot was convoluted enough for me to enjoy. World building is intriguing as it involves Avalon and Arthur. Looking forward to learning more about both of those.

Happy new year and happy new thread!

Ooh >14 majkia: I'm a sucker for Arthurian legend and stories of Avalon. Is this a significant portion of the book's world-building or is it just bits and pieces woven in?

>16 jillmwo: Well, the firsrt book is about the hero getting his memories back, so at first it is bits and pieces. But later there is more, and a set up for Arthur and his knights running a weapons firm and trying to control goverments with their power so looks like Arthur's the bad guy. Which is quite the twist.

Happy reading in 2023!

Happy New Year, and happy new thread! Hope it's another great reading year for you!

I'm not seeing some of these pics. Post 11 is a blank.

Edited to add: I can see everything fine on my phone.

Here's hoping you are transported through time and space with joy in your reading this year.

>20 MrsLee: Sounds like a plan!
>19 clamairy: That's weird. But no idea how to change it as I see everything. Anyway, Happy New Year!
>18 libraryperilous: Thanks!

>1 majkia: love love love the Calvin and Hobbs-type picture!

>14 majkia: ooh, Arthur and Avalon. Those two things are what got me into reading fantasy. I may have to check out this series.

Happy New Year! I hope it brings you many good books and enjoyable travels!

Happy New year!

2. Flesh House - Stuart MacBride - Series:Logan McCrae #4


AlphaKIT
Focus: Mystery
BingoDog - Series you've started

Oh my. Talk about messed up serial killer investigation. Nothing goes right. Clues that lead to nothing, people getting killed right and left, and the cops running around attempting to get a handle on this killer.

Definitely not for the faint of heart. Blood and gore and cooking humans. Great Tartan Noir!

Happy new year!

>28 Jim53: Thanks! To you as well.

Happy New Year and successful reading!

3. Hyperion - Dan Simmons
Series: Hyperion Cantos #1


AlphaKIT
Focus:Sci Fi
SFFKIT

Eh. Not sure I'll continue this series. I found the multiple story way of telling the tale annoying.

4. Over Sea, Under Stone - Susan Cooper -
Series: The Dark Is Rising #1


AlphaKIT
Focus: SFF
SFFKIT
RandomKIT
BingoDOG

Nicely written exciting middle grade or so tale of Arthurian returns, missing grails, and a mysterious great uncle with an interesting name.

I had this book marked as already read but I have no memory of it at all, just of the not so good movie I saw years ago.

5. Absolution Gap - Alastair Reynolds -
Series: Absolution Gap #4
Pages: 768



AlphaKIT
Focus:SciFi
SFFKIT
BFB

Complex world building, intriguing characters. I do love his work, and this one was no exception.

>33 majkia: I'd like to try something by Reynolds. Do you have a favorite you'd recommend as a good starting point?

>34 libraryperilous: I love his Revelation Space series but it's long and complex. Maybe to get a feel for him, try Revenger which is shorter and the beginning of a new series.

>34 libraryperilous: Revelation space was my first Reynolds and it hooked me. Chasm City is related to the trilogy but can stand alone.

>34 libraryperilous: You might also take a peek at Century Rain. It's not a short book but it is a stand-alone. It's the only Reynolds I have read to date and I really enjoyed most aspects of the story. I have since picked up a few other Reynolds titles but have not yet managed to crack them open. Maybe this year...?

>35 majkia:, >36 Sakerfalcon:, >37 ScoLgo: Thank you! These all are intriguing.

6. Dorsai! - Gordon R. Dickson -
Series: Childe cycle #1
Pages: 176



Written in 1959, it is of course outdated in quite a bit of it's thinking. I was particularly unhappy with the focus on genetics and some comments toward the end.

It also read oddly, more like a series of vignettes rather than a novel.

Given the ending, not going to continue this series.

I have never read any of Gordy Dickson's books, but I had a friend who counted herself as one of the Dorsai once upon a time. She taught me a filksong about Gordy (sung to the chorus of O, My Darling Clementin) that went something like this:

Gordy Dickson, Gordy Dickson, Gordy Dicson is the one
Science fiction is his hobby, but his main job's havin' fun

One of those little squibs that runs through my brain every time someone references him as an author. Thought I'd share the earworm with someone else now...:>)

>40 jillmwo: Oh, lol.

7. Queen of Crows - Myke Cole -
Series: Sacred Throne #2
Pages:256


"They believe that wisdom and salvation are found in grief, and not in the shadow of the Throne"

Powerful second book of the trilogy. Poor kid gets no breaks. Myke Cole is another Robin Hobb. Torture those characters!

>39 majkia: I've read that book and while the title has stuck in my head, nothing else has. Now that I look at my 1 sentence review here on LT (now 2 sentences), I probably over-rated it. I had no idea it was that old, but that's probably because I picked up the reformatted edition in the 70's.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed The Dragon and the George and Way of the Pilgrim.

>40 jillmwo: Funny and now that will be stuck in my head.

8. The Killing Light - Myke Cole -
Series: Sacred Throne #3
Pages: 240

ROOT, Focus:SFF

Good wrap-up to the trilogy. Grimdark, great characters, difficult situations and lots of author torture of poor Heloise.

Recommended for those who like grimdark.

9. Sufficiently Advanced Magic - Andrew Rowe
Series: Arcane Ascension #1
623 pages


Fun story, twists and turns, interesting characters.

10. Ancillary Justice - Ann Leckie
Series: Imperial Radch #1
Pages: 416



Challenges:
Bookspin
Sci Fi Series

Still confusing, listening to it for the first time. She just dumps you into an alien culture and you have to figure it out on your own. Will go on to book two soonish!

>46 majkia: I really like it when authors do this. I know I miss some important things, but I like the puzzle of trying to figure out what the culture looks like or what the terminology means. I'm reading a book now that does this, and it's added a layer of fascination to the story for me: Am I interpreting this correctly? Does this person look the way I've imagined? &c.

>46 majkia: It's definitely a confusing book, but that was also why I liked it so much. I really liked the way she handled pronouns in translation, but it definitely took me staring at the page for a few minutes for it to make sense! The audiobook seems like it would be much harder to follow.

>48 nonil: I would think the audiobook would be very confusing. I just read Provenance and I think in a couple of places even the author was confused.

I love the Ancillary trilogy but can't imagine them as audio. >47 libraryperilous: Yes, I love that too about SF and Fantasy.

>47 libraryperilous: Agreed. Why I love Sci Fi.

>48 nonil: I found the time jumps confusing at times also.
>49 Karlstar: LOL
I have the audio of the rest of the series. Maybe I'll see if I can find an ebook version of book 2.

>50 Sakerfalcon: I started the first Ancillary book on audio a while back. Gave up fast. I love them in print but for me they just didn't work in audio.

>46 majkia: oh, that's a BB for me. I like being dumped into a story that way.

11. In The Ocean of Night- Gregory Benford -
Series: Galactic Center #1
Pages: 452


Focus:SciFi
SFFKIT
ROOT

When the Earth acts to stop a comet from hitting Earth, they find out it is a wrecked alien ship.

Lots of twists and turns, science and adventure. Will continue the series.

>54 majkia: This sounds fun. I've added it to my TBR account.

>55 libraryperilous: I love stories with alien tech.

>56 majkia: Ooh, yes. Such a fun part of sci-fi!

12. Carless in Red - Elizabeth George -
Series: Lynley/Havers #15
Pages: 871


Lynley, still recovering, is hiking when he runs into the body of a boy who's fallen from a cliff while climbing. Things, as usual, aren't what they seem.

Lots of characters to care about and suspect, and Lynley, broken as he is, struggling to deal with it all

>47 libraryperilous: >51 majkia: Yes! I love trying to figure out what the culture and characters are meant to look like or seem like.

>54 majkia: Thanks, moved that one to my TBR list. I have it and have rated it here on LT but don't remember a thing about it.

13. Kidnapped - Robert Lewis Stevenson


Pages:122


AlphaKIT
ROOT
Classics

Hard to believe how well things go for our hero. I didn't realize we'd be in Scotland dealing with the Jacobites. I was hoping for pirates! Although..

14. A Dragon of a Different Color - Rachel Aaron


Series: Heartstrikers #4
Pages: 524


BFB
SFFKIT
ROOT
SieresLove2023

Such a fun series. Julius and his clan are suddenly confronted with the Chinese Dragon who decides he's going to conquer Heartstriker. Things go downhill from there.

15. The Benefit of Hindsight - Susan Hill

Series: Simon Serrailler #10
Pages: 336

ROOT
One of my favorite series. Simon is ... very insular and private. He tends to hurt himself with it, but he has a strong family that supports him regardless.

Great characters and difficult situations to consider.

16. A Divided Loyalty - Charles Todd
Series: Ian Rutledge #22
Pages: 336


LibraryBook
Litsy Roll100
Focus: Historical

I love this series. Ian is so deep and broken and trying so hard to get better. The authors create great minor characters even, with depth and color. And the mysteries are always complex and surprising.

>63 majkia: I like this series as well. It does such a great job of building sense of place. A new title hasn't been announced, so I hope the series hasn't come to an end. I also appreciate that, as messed up as Ian is, he's not a jerk cop.

>63 majkia: - sounds like a series I need to check out.

>65 NorthernStar: I think you'll like them. I've only read a couple, but it seemed to me that the first in the series was a bit rough around the edges compared to the later books, so don't give up if you don't love that one.

17. Vanguard: Genesis Fleet - Jack Campbell -
Series: Adm Geary #12
Pages: 336


Roll100
Focus: Sci Fi
AlphaKIT
Library Book

Still space porn despite the fact our favorite Geary isn't in this one. This one is about defending human colonies from predatory humans. Just as riveting for me as the previous books in the series.

>67 majkia: I think the lack of Adm. Geary was the reason I stopped without reading that one - so far. I'll get to it eventually!

>68 Karlstar: It is close enough to what we're used to I loved it anyway. Smart guy at helm, smart gal Marine.

18. Dead Witch Walking - Kim Harrison -
Series: The Hollows #1
Pages: 432

Library Book

This was okay. Thought the fear of Ivy was a bit overblown, but otherwise a fun read.

19. The Stardust Thief - Chelsea Abdullah -
Series: Sandsea #1
Pages Read- 214 out of 432


TBR Challenge
AlphaKIT
Alphabet Challenge
Doublespin

DNF. I didn't hate it. I just couldn't really get into it. I was avoiding it, so time to DNF.

20. Jade City - Fonda Lee -
Series: Green Bone Saga #1
Pages: 498


AlphaKIT
Alphabet Challenge
ROOT
SFF Focus Series

Such a good book. This is a re-read so I can read the rest of the trilogy

Great world-building, well-drawn characters and a plot that has twists and turns galore.
Jade is a magical item in this world, giving those who can wear it, powers of perception and strength. But it only exists on one small island. Everyone wants it.

>72 majkia: That sounds intriguing. I've saved it in my very long list at the library. 500 pages, though--that's a commitment.

21. Death Between the Vines - G J Bellamy -
Series: Brent Umber #1
Pages: 326


AlphaKIT
Historical
BingoDOG - plant on cover

A different sort of whodunit, with a private detective hired to help out on a stalled murder case. A woman, killed in her vineyard, little to go on, a slightly irregular approach is called for.

I liked the characterization, and the plot was twisty enough that I hadn't guessed the full extent of the mystery.

I've begun watching The Expanse series again. And now, sigh, I want to re-read the series. I have the last book, but have put off reading it, because I love the characters and don't want to say good bye.

22. Jade War - Fonda Lee -
Series: Green Bone Saga #2 -
608 pages


What a fascinating and well written series. Rushing on to the end of the trilogy.

23. Innate Magic - Shannon Fay



ROOT

This was a DNF for me, I read 62 pages and have been avoiding it so, that's my sign to move on to another book.

It was sort of cute but not really compelling for me, and can't compete with the audio I'm also reading.

I've seen this one in the kindle deals a few times and something has always put me off buying it. If it was a DNF for you I will continue to ignore it!

24. Jade Legacy - Fonda Lee
Series: Green Bone Saga #3
678 pages


Challenges:
ROOT
AlphaKIT
SFF Focus Series
BFB

Great wrap up to a great series. Deep family drama, action novel, fantasy.

25. Infinite - Jeremy Robinson -
Series: Infinite #1
Pages: 398
Audio: R.C. Bray

Challenges:
ROOT,
AlphaKIT
Bookspin

Interesting and surprising. Man, stuck alone on a ship, has to figure out what is real, what is a sim and how to survive and possibly save humanity.

26. Grey Sister - Mark Lawrence
Series: Book of the Ancestors#2
416 pages


Challenges: Litsy Roll100
ROOT
AlphaKIT

I should have re-read book one. Other than that, good second book of the trilogy.

>81 majkia: I read this trilogy with big gaps between the books, which was not the best idea. I loved the series despite this. Thankfully there is a good summary at the start of book 3 which helps a lot.

27. Wicked Autumn - G.M. Malliet -
Series: Max Tudor #1 -
Pages 320



Challenges: Focus Series
ROOT, AlphaKIt

This is a re-read for me, so I can get to the rest of the series. Better second time around.

28. The Dark Between the Stars - Kevin J. Anderson
Series: Saga of Seven suns #8
692 pages


Challenges:
ROOT
AlphaKIT
BFB
SciFI Focus Series
SFFKIT

This is a great sci fi series, lots of science, lots of action, complex plot. Surprises, and strange aliens.

29. Court of Broken Knives - Anna Smith Spark
Series: Empire of Dust #1
512 pages


Challenges:
TBR
ROOT
BFB
AlphaKIT

I'm going to borrow karlstar 's STTM rating for this one. Slogging Thru The Mud was about 70 percent of this book, and made for a very slow read for me.

I did appreciate the depth of characterizatio
n done during the STTM, but still, it seemed to really slow my reading down.

Very interesting book regardless of the STTM, though. Written a bit differently, style wise, and the characterization was great. The plot was twisty and surprising quite often.
I imagine this book is pretty controversial, with regard to whether someone liked it or not, but I'm firmly in the liked it camp.

>84 majkia: I might have to revisit that series, I just could not get past book two the first time around.

>86 Karlstar: I love the intricate dance from one story line to another. But I can see where others might not enjoy that as much.

We've just finished watching the TV version of The Expanse. Sad that it ended before the denouement but thought the series was excellent. So fun to see rocks thrown at planets and rail gun shots arcing across space. Made me wish they'd make a series based on the Lost Fleet. Sigh.

And, of course, now I want to reread the whole Expanse series. I've read everything but the last book, but hope to reread it all before I do get to the finale.

30. The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Nghi Vo Series: Singing Hills #1

Library Book

An interesting short book on women and empire. No as impressed as everyone else seems to be.

31. Shadow Magic - Patricia C. Wrede
Series: Lyra #1
328 pages

First in the Lyra series, written in 1982, first book by author. Although the tropes were well-worn, I still enjoyed the book very much. Will continue with the series. Good world-building, characters who are well drawn, and a plot that, although not all that surprising, still moves well.

32. Ashes of the Sun - Django Wexler - Series: Buring Blade and Silver Eye #1 - 592 Pages


Challenges:
ROOT
TBR Challenge
BFB

Interesting world building, but I found the start quite slow. Complex plot, sometimes a bit hard to follow, but it all came together in the end.

33. Gridlinked - Neal Asher -
Series: Ian Cormac #1 -
532 pages



Nicely done sort of sci fi police procedural, with agent Ian Cormac hunting down terrorists and a critter that's been hiding in plain sight for centuries.

34. The Golem and the Jinni - Helene Wecker -
Series: Golem and Jinni #1,
496 pages



Challenges:
AlphaKIT
ROOT

I know everyone makes a fuss about this book but I found it a chore to read. I wanted to DNF it many times but persisted. The last 100 or so pages were at least more exciting than the first 400.

Interesting ideas, and nicely written, but man it just drug on.

>93 majkia: Uh oh. I bought this one and the sequel. At least I know not to try to start it right now. LOL

35. The Appeal - Janice Hallett -
448 pages


Challenges:
ROOT
AlphaKIT
Bookspin

Wow. That was different. In a good way! A murder mystery, presented as a series of email, texts and phone calls. Someone is dead, and you are presented with this evidence as lawyers are appealing the case for the person found guilty, whom they believe is really innocent.

Lots of secrets, lies, and people who don't always tell the truth. What a surprise.

Well Done!

>95 majkia: I enjoyed that too. I love books told in ephemera; I just can't stop reading "one more bit". And I really enjoyed the amateur dramatics shenanigans in the plot.

>95 majkia: Your touchstone goes to a book with the same title by John Grisham (no thanks).

>97 haydninvienna: Thanks, fixed the touchstone. I enjoyed the craziness of it all, as well! I kept waiting for death on stage, so that was good that I didn't guess right.

>95 majkia: sounds interesting!

36. Atlas Six - Olivie Blake

Challenges:
TBR
AlphaKIT
Litsy Roll 100



Well, it sounded like something I'd like, but after 60percent of the book, I really don't care enough to finish. No characters I like, and it's mostly psychological manipulation between them that's the focus rather than the magic and the interesting idea of the magical society.

DNF

37 Senlin Ascends - Josiah Bancroft - Series: Books of Babel #1 - 448 pages



Challenges:
ROOT
TBR
Roll100

Another one I'm disappointed in. I did finish it but my heart wasn't in it. Why can't guys create their fantasy worlds so that women aren't always whored and tortured and controlled. Ugh.

>101 majkia: I DNFed Senlin Ascends. Could not get into it, and the protagonist was annoying.

38. Blind Eye - Stuart MacBride
Series: Logan McCrae #5



Challenges:
ROOT
Litsy Roll100
MysteryKIT

Best one of the series so far for me. Ultra dark noir, really, but the black humor had me laughing out loud even when appalled by what had just happened.

Not for the faint of heart.

>102 tardis: I agree. It was a chore to get it finished. I nearly DNF'd it about six times.

39. Love and Death Among the Cheetahs - Rhys Bowen - Series: Her Royal Spyness#13 - pages 304



Challeges:
Litsy Roll100
Litsy SeriesLove
Alphabet Challenge
ROOT
Historical

Darcy and our heroine head to Africa and find all sorts of trouble! Enjoyable as ever with this series.

>105 majkia: I'm just barely ahead of you: I just finished Peril in Paris, the most recent of Georgie's adventures. They're such good bedtime reading.

>106 Jim53: Indeed!

40.
The Dark Is Rising - Susan Cooper
Series: The Dark Is Rising #2


Challenges:
ROOT
Focus: SFF
Litsy Bookspin

Second in the series has Will fighting the Dark with the Old Ones, and finding signs of power.

41.

The Sundering - Walter Jon Williams
Series: Dread Empire's Fall #2
464 pages



The Empire is in a civil war. Our heroes, one on planet, one in space, are continuing their defense of The Praxis.

Enjoying the space warfare, and the political parts too. But still like the space battles best.

>93 majkia: >100 majkia: >101 majkia: Thanks very much for the warning about those books, thanks for taking the pain for us.

42.
A Change of Circumstance - Susan Hill
Series: Simon Serraillier #11



Challenges:
ROOT
Litsy Bookspin
Focus Mystery

I enjoy the mystery but far more the complexity of the main character and his relationship with his family. Seeing him change and grow over the series is fascinating to me.

>110 Karlstar: Someone has to do it. Glad to be of service!

>100 majkia: I had much the same reaction to The Atlas six as you. What a waste of reading time.

>102 tardis: >112 majkia: >113 Sakerfalcon: Now I'm wondering if a 'Not recommended' thread would be useful? I know not everyone agrees, ever, but sometimes there is general agreement on some books.

>114 Karlstar: Such a thread could certainly provoke some interesting discussions.

>115 Sakerfalcon: It would, which is why I'm still at the 'wondering' stage. I checked and I think there are 3 really negative reviews of Senlin Ascends with no positive here in GD, which for me definitely puts it in the 'not recommended' category.

>114 Karlstar: I think that thread is an excellent idea!

>114 Karlstar: Moi aussi.

Murder In Old Bombay - Nev March - Series: JimAgnohorti #1



Challenges:
ROOT
Historical/Alt History
Litsy Roll100

Enjoyable historical mystery. A bit romancy for me, but enjoyable nonetheless.

>117 clamairy: >118 majkia: Ok, I'll start one!

>119 majkia: I read that and enjoyed it for the most part. I agree w/ your assessment.

The 'Not Recommended' Thread, in case anyone wants to contribute. https://www.librarything.com/topic/350178

Born of Hatred - Steve McHugh
Series: Hellequin #2
Pages: 482



Challenges:
ROOT
Focus Series SFF

Learning more about Nate and the Hellequin as he and his wolfie friends go after some supernatural baddies.

47

Blood of the Cosmos - Kevin J. Anderson
Series: Saga of Seven Suns #9
608 pages



Challenges:
ROOT
BFB
Focus Series: SciFi
Litsy SeriesLove2023
Litsy BacklistReadathon

The battle against the darkness continues with humans and Alderans struggling against robots and the darkness itself. Although a new player is on the horizon: Eternity's Mind. On to the last of the series.

>124 majkia: You are making me consider picking up that series again.

48.

Eternity's Mind - Kevin J. Anderson - Series: Saga of the Seven Suns #10 - 576 pages


Challenges:
ROOT
BFB
Focus Series: Sci Fi

Very satisfying end to a very interesting series. Lots of imagination, surprises and great characters. I enjoyed it very much.

49

The Two of Swords: Volume 1 - K J Parker



Challenges: ROOT
BFB
Roll100

Wow, so convoluted I lost the plot a bunch of times. I loved his Siege trilogy but this one I think I'm done with.

We were camping this past week and enjoyed the views and the quiet.

Oh, that's heavenly. Thank you for sharing!

Wow!

44.
Arabella of Mars - David D Levine - Series: Arabella #1 - 416 pages



Challenges:
ROOT
SFFKIT

Fun, light steampunk. Think of how Jules Verne pictured Mars and the passage between. Arabella runs away from home after having been forced to leave Mars for Earth. She pretends to be a boy and gets a birth on a sailing ship headed to Mars.

>128 majkia: Lovely!

>128 majkia: Very nice!

51.

A Deadly Education - Naomi Novik
Series: Scolomance #1
336 pages

Challenges:
TBR Challenge
Library Book



I really enjoyed this, a YA that does without the teen angst and concentrates on action and character. The school the kids are tossed into is indeed deadly, although being outside it is even worse. It's all about survival.

52.
Leviathan Wakes - James S A Corey
Series: the Expanse #1
Pages: 592



Challenges:
ROOT
SciFi

I've read this before, and watched the series, and still I couldn't put this book down. I listened to the audiobook this time around and still loved it.

>135 majkia: I read the first 6 books & now that the series is complete, I'm going to start a reread soon & go all the way through.

>135 majkia:, >136 ChrisG1: I really need to get to this series. I do prefer quite a load of politics or diplomacy in my sci-fi. Does this series offer that?

>137 libraryperilous: Oh yes. Lots of politicing and lots of trying to stop a system war, despite the bad guys attempting to use war as a cover.

>136 ChrisG1: YEah. I read most of the series before but plan re-reading it all and finishing the series this year.

>138 majkia: Ooh! Definitely going to bump this up the TBR. Thank you!

>135 majkia: I read the first two, RL gets in the way of me picking up the third. At this point I'll probably have to reread them first.

53.

The Clan Corporate - Charles Strolss
Series: Merchant Princes #3
320 pages



Challenges:
ROOT
Focus:SFF
AlphaKIT

Lots of politics on all the varied worlds Miriam can walk to. And she's a major target from several sides. Being held captive she has to work with the clans.

54.

Witch of the Federation - MIchael Anderle
Series: Federal Histories 1



Challenges:
ROOT
BFB
SFFKIT

Surprising. Science Fantasy in which a planet and aliens can use magic. Humans can't - Or can they? Stephanie, for one reason or another, can use the magic of the aliens. Which makes her a target for folks who want to create chaos and war.
Lots of interesting psychological and socio-political threads throughout as well.

55.
Ascendant - Jack Campbell
Series: Geary #13
368 pages



Challenges:
Sci Fi Focus Series
AlphaKIT
Litsy Bookspin

Great addition to the series. This is a prequel subseries. Just as good as the main series.

>144 majkia: I see that's a completely different cover style, hopefully it comes in mass market paperback format? I was kind of enjoying having all of the Campbell books in the same size. Either way, it will be going on my TBR list.

>145 Karlstar: I read ebooks and audiobooks so don't look at paperback or hardback formats. Interesting though.

55.
The Stone in the Skull - Elizabeth Bear
Series: Lotus Kingdom #1
368 pages

Challenges:
ROOT
SFF Focus Series
Litsy Roll100



Mixed emotions about this book. There was a lot of it I just didn't understand. I think I need to read the first trilogy Range of Ghosts before I attempt to tackle the second of this trilogy. Seems to be set in the same universe and perhaps that will explain some things for me, like why is he 'A Dead Man' and what does that mean?

Anyway, very nicely written with a slow but good plot. Slower for me because of so much pondering on what the heck is happening now and what the heck is the Godmade.

>147 majkia: I had much the same reaction. At times it felt very good and other times it just seemed tangled up in itself. I didn't know there was a prequel trilogy.

>148 Karlstar: I couldn't find anything that indicated that was actually a prequel series, but since it's the same universe I'm going to give it a try.

57.

Glass Houses - Louise Penny - Series:Three Pines #13 - 400 Pages



Quite the entry for the series, with Armand ready to throw his career and everything else away to stop drug running through his little town of Three Pines.

58.

City of Brass - S A Chakraborty
Series: Daevabad #1
544 pages



Imaginative, well written and complex. The characters are well drawn and often surprise. Hurrying on to book 2.

59.

An Untimely Frost - Penny Richards -
Series: Lilly Long #1 -
288 pages



Challenges:
ROOT
AlphaKIT
Alphabet Challenge

Frustrating at times, and I really didn't like the ending where the men save her.. Well written though, and I'm sure others will like it far more than I did.

>151 majkia: Are you listening or reading this series? (Loved it, BTW!)

>153 clamairy: I read it. Glad you enjoyed it. I liked most of it.

60.
Kingdom of Copper - S A Chakraborty
Series: Deavabad #2
640 pages



Challenges:
BFB
SFF Focus Series
AlphaKIT

Great second book of the trilogy. Characters evolve, plot thickens, and surprises galore.

61.

Quantum Space - Douglas Phillips -
Series: Quantum #1
362 pages

Challenges:
TBR Challenge
Roll100
ROOT

My kinda sci fi. Lots of sciencing! Aliens! Interesting and unpredictable first contact.

>156 majkia: Ooh! This sounds right up my alley.

62.

Ancillary Sword - Ann Leckie
Series: Imperial Radsch #2
400 pages



Challenges:
Litsy Roll100
Sci Fi Focus Series
ROOT

Strong second book of the series. Easier to follow than book 1. Complex, intriguing, and surprising.

63.

Blitz - Daniel O'Malley
Series: The Rook Files #3
688 pages



Very nicely done! Great characters, compelling plot, lots of action, and the split between current and WWII timelines brings the whole thing together.

>159 majkia: I'm glad you enjoyed this. I thought it a big improvement over the second book in the series. BTW, your touchstone points to the wrong book.

>160 clamairy: Agreed. It was better than book 2. I hope he writes book 4. Touchstone fixed.

64.

Greenwitch - Susan Cooper
Series: The Dark Is Rising #3
192 pages



Challenges:
ROOT
SFF Focus Seriies
Litsy Bookspin

Pretty good, especially that it finally features the only girl in the story. Gee, she got something to do.

>162 majkia: I enjoyed this one. I really need to finish this series.

65.

Triumphant - Jack Campbell
Series: Genesis Fleet #3
pages: 336



Challenges:
ROOT
SciFi Focus Series
Roll100

Space invasion, pirates, twisty polticals... and the grunts trying their best to survive.

66.

Gods and Men: Ruins of the Earth - Christopher Hopper
Series: Ruins of the Earth #2
Pages: 498



Gallows humor makes the book. Characters are well drawn, lots of action. Plot is... uhm, sorta there. Fun read though.

67.
Clean Sweep Ilona Andrews
Series: Inkeeper #1
Pages: 235



Challenges:
Library Book

Interesting start to a series. I love the concept, liked the characters but it was a bit romancy for me.

68.
Gallant - V E Schwab
pages 352



Atmospheric, well drawn, horror. Very Schwaby.

69.
Infamous Reign - Steve McHugh
Series: Hellequin #2.5
pages 87


Challenges:
ROOT
SFF Focus Series

Okay addition to the series. Lots of Nate being Nate helped out by Thomas.

70.



Empire of Gold - S.A. Chakraborty
Series: The Daevabad Trilogy #3
816 pages

Satisfying wrapup to the trilogy. A bit long, but it covered everything.

71.

Battle Mage - Peter A Flannery - 652 pages



Challenges: TBR Challenge
AlphaKIT

The best Sword and Sorcery book I've read in quite a while.

72.

The Long Chain - Dan Willis -
Series: Arcane Casebook #3 -
316 pages



Challenges:
ROOT
Alt History Focus Series

This series is quite good. I enjoy the magical system and the reimagined NYC and world. The plot has twists and turns and it's nicely written.

>170 majkia: That's quite a recommendation, I might have to give that one a try.

73

Holy Sister - Mark Lawrence
Series: Book of the Ancestor #3
336 pages



Challenges:
Litsy Roll100
Library Book

I confess I never really could get into this series. It was nicely written, and there was lots of action, but for some reason I didn't connect with it the way I normally do with good books. Oh, well, series done now.