Athabasca's 2014 reading journal

The 2013 thread is here

Statistics 2013

Books acquired 44
Books discarded 3
Total 2,221

Books Read 60

Female authors 38
Male authors 22

Own books 19
Library books 40
E-books 3
Friends 1

Genres

Crime 14
Urban fan 15
Historical 13
Fantasy 7
SF 4
Romance 2
Non-fiction 6

Wishlist

Goblin Emperor by Katharine Addison
The last unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
My reading life by Pat Conroy
Keep this forever by Mark Halliday
Lamy of Santa Fe by Paul Horgan
The sleeping god by Violette Malan
A history of reading by Alberto Manguel
Conduit by Angie Martin
The Sherlockian by Graham Moore
The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman
Thief, Liar, Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale
Heir apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
The Merro Tree by Katie Waitman
Changing Fate by Elizabeth Waters
Copper promise by Jen Williams

In library catalogue

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
James Joyce by Richard Ellmann
Apollos' angels by Jennifer Homans
The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature by Steven Pinker
Born on a blue day by David Tammet
At Mrs Lippincote's by Elizabeth Taylor
Black prism by Brent Weeks

Acquisitions

Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon (Ebook) READ
The ice princess by Camilla Lackberg (Ebook) READ
Cavalier of the Apocalypse by Susanne Alleyn (Ebook) READ
One of ours by Willa Cather (Ebook) READ
Song of the lark by Willa Cather (Ebook)
Guardian of honor by Robin D Owens (Ebook) READ
Sorceress of faith by Robin D Owens (Ebook)
Bitch in a bonnet by Robert Rodi (Ebook) READ
Catastrophe by Max Hastings (Ebook)READ
Memory game by Sharon Sant (Ebook) READ
Echoes of betrayal by Elizabeth Moon READ
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Ebook)
Lover eternal by J.R. Ward READ
Longbourn by Jo Baker (Ebook) READ
Masterpieces of classical art by Dyfri Williams
A cold day for murder by Dana Stabenow (Ebook)
Lover enshrined by J.R. Ward READ
The thief by Megan Whelan Turner (Ebook)
Changeling by Sharon Lee (Ebook) READ
Real fast food by Nigel Slater (Ebook) READ
Cast of stones by Patrick W Carr (Ebook)

Abandon by Meg Cabot (Ebook) READ
Written in red by Anne Bishop (Ebook) READ
The spirit rebellion by Rachel Aaron
The spirit eater by Rachel Aaron
The iron wyrm affair by Lilith Saintcrow
Pirate King by Laurier R. King
The 100-year-old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Just one damned thing after another by Jodi Taylor (Ebook)
Mr Darcy takes a wife by Linda Berdoll
Dead until dark by Charlaine Harris
Bullet by Laurell K Hamilton
Wise man's fear by Patrick Rothfuss (Ebook)
Art; everything you need to know about the greatest artists and their work by Susie Hodge (Ebook)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (Ebook) READ
Hazardous duty by Christy Barritt (Ebook)
Joust by Mercedes Lackey
Heart of the mirage by Glenda Larke
Jaran by Kate Elliott (Ebook)
The steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein (Ebook)
Alien Earth by Robin Hobb
The raven boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Gate of ivory by Doris Egan
Born to exile by Phyllis Eisenstein
Troubled waters by Sharon Shinn READ
Traitor's blade by Sebastien de Castell (Ebook)

The Dante connection by Estelle Ryan (Ebook)
Archangel by Sharon Shinn
Mystic and rider by Sharon Shinn
Dark lover by J.R. Ward
Lover at last by J.R. Ward
Calculated in death by J.D. Robb
The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers
The red knight by Miles Cameron
Captain Vorpatril's alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold
Libriomancer by Jim C Hines
Royal airs by Sharon Shinn
The mirror Prince by Violette Malan
The wolf of winter by Paula Volsky
Chimera by Rob Thurman
The enchantment emporium by Tanya Huff
White Mughals by William Dalrymple
Steadfast by Jack Campbell

Murder of crows by Anne Bishop
Jane Austen by Claire Tomalin
Pompeii by Robert Harris
Lucy Gayheart by Willa Cather
Lindisfarne Priory by Joanna Story
The great tapestry of Scotland by Alistair Moffat
Lourdes by Emile Zola
Lover unleashed by J.R.Ward
Magic burns by Ilona Andrews
Green rider by Kristen Britain
The singing sands by Josephine Tey
People of the book by Geraldine Brooks
A history of the world in 100 objects by Neil MacGregor

Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon #1
E-book, romance

A sweet wee chick-litty romance set in Australia. A Xmas gift from Apple. A pleasant undemanding read.

Jan TIOLI

#2. Read a book from your 'average' year: Bride of the rat god by Barbara Hambly 1994
#3: Read a book that has some connection with the number 14: Bitch in a bonnet by Robert Rodi (ISBN 9781469922652) (Shared read); The memory game by Sharon Sant (ISBN 1492250422)
#15. Read a book that takes place during "The War to End All Wars" (1914-1918): Tolkien and the Great War by John Garth (Shared read); One of ours by Willa Cather (Shared read)

Read 5, Shared reads 3

Everybody seems to be reading The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England! I'm starting to get the hint that I should take it off the shelf.

Lovely that you've chosen a rather little known book by Hambly - I read the title when it released and thought it was great fun.

>6 SylviaC: Sylvia - I confess it has been on my TBR pile for a while and I'm taking the constant references to it on other threads as a hint that it's time it got read! Like you, I'm going with the flow.

>7 JannyWurts: Janny - I generally like Hambly, but, for some reason, this has been sitting unread on my TBR pile for several years, so I thought it was time to at least give it a shot!

Bride of the Rat God is one of my all-time favourite books - comfort read, even. Hambly's the only writer who ever made me think I'd like to own (or be owned by) a Pekingese dog. Or two.

Guardian of honor by Robin D Owens #2
Ebook, fantasy

A charming wee fantasy of the "normal-woman-dragged-into-a-fantasy-land-at-war-that-only-she-can-save" type. Good fun - enjoyable characters, interesting set-up.

I enjoyed Bride of the Rat God as well! And I have Tolkien and the Great War sitting about as well so will be interested in seeing your review.

10: I loved those books, @Athabasca! Discovered them by accident and then read them all, one after the other. They are somewhat fluffy, but very nice and relaxing...

5, 6> The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England was a lot of fun, and it was an easy book for people who don't normally read nonfiction.

You have so many of my favorites on your "To Read" list! This thread is looking fun. :)

*delurks* I'll be watching your reading this year too. Some of the challenges you take part in sound fascinating.

>12 zjakkelien: I get that - I have to confess to having bought the next in the series already! I like a good, simple fantasy without all the torture and horrors that turn up in a lot of series. I think this series is looking good, so far.

>13 pwaites:,>14 Sakerfalcon: Welcome aboard guys. I should warn you that life often gets in the way of my reading plans, so I sometimes don't manage to get to the books I want to read. I'm also easily distracted by books mentioned on other threads. I only keep a list of planned reads as something of a comfort blanket - I like the illusion of being in control!

Tolkien and the great war by John Garth #3
Jan TIOLI #15. Read a book that takes place during "The War to End All Wars" (1914-1918)
Library book, non-fiction, WW1 theme

An interesting read - more about the genesis of Tolkien's myths than anything else. It does describe Tolkien's experiences during the First World War, but spends more time on his earlier friendships and his poetry and philology. It is pretty technical - more literary criticism than anything else. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone without an intense interest in lit crit (and a good dictionary!) However, I don't regret reading it - I may just need some more time to think about it.

I'll be following along as well :o)

What is an 'average' year?

It sounds like Average = (birth-year + this year)/2

>LOL It took me a while to work that average out! (And it's considerably earlier than 1994!)

I'm actually following the TIOLI instructions, which refer to the average year of publication of the books you own - you can find it on the stats/memes page. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

Ah. That would move mine from 1984 to 1975, neither exactly appetising. Evidently I have a lot of old books.

Neat! I hadn't checked out the stats page in ages. There's a lot more info than there used to be.

@sandragon - that's one of the reasons I like the TIOLI challenges - they introduce you to parts of Librarything you don't usually use.

Bride of the rat god by Barbara Hambly #4
Jan TIOLI #2. Read a book from your 'average' year (1994)
Own book, fantasy

A charming little fantasy set in 1920s Hollywood - all glitz, glamour, crazy little pekes and evil demons. Lovely characters and a thoroughly enjoyable plot. A wee gem.

It was fun, wasn't it? (Bride of the Rat God) The title was what sold me on it in the first place...That and I happen to enjoy alot of Hambly's books. BTW, I also wanted to thank you for the review of Tolkien and the Great War. Definitely moving up on my TBR pile.

>Jill, I confess it was the faux film poster on the cover that attracted me (and the fact I like others by the same writer) :0) I hope you enjoy the Tolkien book - I enjoyed the history, but I found some of the literary stuff a bit daunting, although it was interesting.

Hmm. I may need to give Rat God a try...

One of ours by Willa Cather #5
Jan TIOLI #15. Read a book that takes place during "The War to End All Wars" (1914-1918)
Own book, Ebook, World War 1 theme

A lovely book following a young man growing up a farmer in Nebraska, who, unhappy in his own life, is drawn into the First World War. Lots of lovely descriptions of landscape, as you would expect with Cather, but also lots of pathos about wasted lives (not just in war). (Hanky alert) Pity this Ebook edition was so badly edited.

Bitch in a bonnet by Robert Rodi #6
Jan TIOLI #3: Read a book that has some connection with the number 14
Ebook, non-fiction

Great fun - an exploration of Jane Austen's first three books through her abilities as a satirist. Wonderfully bitchy throughout and, on occasion, laugh-out-loud funny. A rather different, iconoclastic, approach to Austen, which I think she would have thoroughly enjoyed herself. Can't wait for the next volume!

That sounds wonderful...and it was only 99 cents for the Nook download at Barnes & Noble...

Only 99 cents from Amazon Canada, too...

>Marisa, Sylvia - I confess the price of the kindle version was one of the things that attracted me, too! I have been enjoying lyzard's tutoring thread about S & S and I think someone on there mentioned this book, which is a collection of blog posts about Austen. I found it very enjoyable and, even better, he has nearly finished the second volume.

The memory game by Sharon Sant #7
Ebook, YA

A slight little YA ghost story. Well-written with nicely developed characters. However, there wasn't a lot to it.

Bride of the Rat God was great fun--thank you for posting about it!

>33 Marissa_Doyle:, Marissa, you're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

Feb TIOLI

#5. Read a book that is part of a series:A talent for war by Jack McDevitt
#8: Read a book whose average rating is 1/10th of a point (.1) or less from your average book rating: Catastrophe by Max Hastings

Bedeviled eggs by Lauren Childs #8
Library book, crime

A nice wee cosy (if predictable) crime novel set against a background of small-town America. The sleuth owns a cafe and there is a strong emphasis on food (very pleasant). Not a bad wee read.

A talent for war by Jack McDevitt #9
Feb TIOLI #5 Read a book that is part of a series
Library book, science fiction

I don't know about this one - sort of a mystery set against a rather understated Sf background. I thought the hero was a bit dim, to tell the truth, and maybe a bit under-written. Not really worth the effort.

Slated by Teri Terry #10
Library book, YA, SF

This book won the local teenage book award and sounded interesting. It is a good read, if a little simplistic. I thought the denouement was very gradually built up to, but then rushed out in a single page right at the end. However, apart from those pacing issues, I did think this dystopian tale about teenagers whose memories are removed was pretty good.

Catastrophe by Max Hastings #11
TIOLI #8: Read a book whose average rating is 1/10th of a point (.1) or less from your average book rating (3.96 - 4.06 book)
Own book, Ebook, non-fiction, World War One theme

This was excellent - extremely well-written and accessible. I learned so much about the beginning of the war and particularly about the non-Western Fronts. Highly recommended. My Ebook copy is full of underlining, there's a lot of good stuff here. I particularly liked "The Hapsburg Empire's generals waltzed better than they fought" and (referring to the new technology of war including aircraft, but still relevant for today's technology IMO) "When these inventions of the devil work, then what they achieve is more than amazing - when they do not work, then they achieve less than nothing."

Concealed in death by J.D. Robb #12
Library book, crime

Another fine addition to the series. It seemed a bit subdued compared to some others, with more shades of grey morally than usual - an almost absent villain/non-villain, even with twelve murders to his credit. Interesting. I wonder if that's a one-off or are we, good heavens, growing up at last? (Characters, writing and readership??)

March TIOLI

#1 Read a book with the title in red letters; Mouse and Dragon by Sharon Lee
#2. Read a book with a word in the title or author's name suggesting the end of something: The cavalier of the apocalypse by Susanna Alleyn
#4. Read a book with a predominantly green cover; Longbourn by Jo Baker (Shared read)
#5. Read a book by or about someone who served in World War I; Dead man's land by Robert Ryan (Shared read)

Mouse and dragon by Sharon Lee #13
March TIOLI #1 Read a book with a red-lettered title
Own book, sf

The sequel to Scout's progress. Although published many years after the first book, this title picks up immediately after and describes the life mating of Daav and Aelliana and it's aftermath. Loved it, but now I have to go back and read the earlier books! Hanky alert and one for the cognoscenti, I think - familiarity with the rest of the sequence definitely helps.

Dead man's land by Robert Ryan #14
March TIOLI #5 Read a book by or about someone who served in World War I
Library book, historical, crime, WW1 theme

Dr Watson solving crime in the trenches and hospitals of the First World War. Well-written with interesting characters and well-realised background. The state of medicine in the First World War will astonish you - it hadn't moved on much from the Crimea. I did enjoy this and would read more by this author. He did have one really annoying habit - a bit like Dickens, he would reach a climax with one character, then move onto another, leaving you in suspense for a while. (At least Dickens had the excuse of serialisation!)

#41 - it's a fun series, I've still to read a few of the later ones, although the order is a little bit odd. Publication and chronology are way out of sync which makes it tricky whichever way around you read them. I went for the order Baen had them available in, which wasn't brilliant either.

>43 reading_fox:. They had so many problems getting published and then they keep going back to develop old storylines, it is a tad confusing. However, I do like the series - kinda Georgette-Heyer-in-Space!

Longbourn by Jo Baker #15
March TIOLI #4. Read a book with a predominantly green cover
Ebook, historical

This was lovely - what was going on downstairs while Pride and Prejudice was going on upstairs. I loved all the (sometimes icky) period detail that Austen had left out. Great characters and an interesting storyline that marched nicely alongside the Bennett drama.

Chaos in death and Possession in death by J.D. Robb #16
Own book, Ebook, crime

An accidental re-read. Usual stuff, with a rather experimental feel. Perfect for a cold, windy, grey Saturday.

Real fast food by Nigel Slater #17
Library book, non-fiction

A fantastic cookbook for people living real lives. It made my mouth water and I've had to buy my own copy - there were just so many amazing ideas I wanted to try. A classic.

>47 Athabasca:
That cookbook looks very tempting. The last thing I need is another cookbook, but it seems I can get it through interlibrary loan...

>48 SylviaC: I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a simple approach to everyday cooking. There are no pictures, just lots of ideas for putting relatively simple ingredients together to make something fast and tasty.

Montalbano's first case by Andrea Camilleri #18
Own book, Ebook, crime

Another lovely Montalbano - this time a prequel describing how the Commissario arrives in Vigata and develops his idiosyncratic style of policing. It's more a long short story than a novel.

Cavalier of the Apocalypse by Susanne Alleyn #19
TIOLI March #2. Read a book with a word in the title or author's name suggesting the end of something
Own book, Ebook, crime, historical

A rather good crime thriller set in pre-revolutionary Paris - good on setting and characters with a well-developed plot. A very enjoyable start to the series - I would read more.

April TIOLI

#1 Read a book whose first sentence has exactly seven words: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
#5 Read a book whose title consists of four words: A witch in winter by Ruth Warburton
#14 Read a book that appears on the first page of LT Recommendations: The Black Dagger Brotherhood; an insider's guide by J.R. Ward
#15. Read a book where the author's initials are the same or are one letter away: Written in red by Anne Bishop

The Black Dagger Brotherhood; an insider's guide by J.R. Ward #20
April TIOLI #14; Read a book that appears on the 1st page of your LT Recommendations.
Library book, urban fantasy

An amusing miscellany of Black Dagger background, writing tips, a short story and several skits. Fun if you know the series.

Statistics Jan-Mar 2014

Books acquired: 21 (17 ebooks)
Books read: 20

Books read

Female authors: 13
Male authors : 7

TBR Pile: 13
Library : 7

E-books: 11

Crime. 6
NF 4
Historical. 4
SF 3
Fantasy 2
Urban Fan. 2
YA 1
Romance 1

Well, in terms of the number of books acquired, we're actually tied at 21. Of course, some of yours were ebooks, so if we're determining a winner according to how much space was saved on book shelves, you did better than I!

>55 jillmwo: I'm afraid the recent predilection for quick n easy kindle versions is becoming something of a problem! It's as if they don't really count, because they're not taking up shelf space! However, I'm still buying far more than I'm reading, so the TBR pile is still growing alarmingly, if virtually.

I know exactly what you mean. It's not real when you buy a Kindle edition. I suspect such editions fall under the category of "convenient vaporware". Of course, people who buys apps for their tablets or their phones undoubtedly have the same problem!

Oops, wrong thread.
Carry on, nothing to see here!

These are not the droids you are looking for.

>58 MrsLee:, >59 suitable1: thanks for the drive-by, guys (I think!)

A witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton #21
April TIOLI# 5. Read a book whose title consists of four words
Library book, YA, romance

Well, I wanted some mindless relaxation and this was certainly it. YA romance with a Twilighty feel, not bad, but not all that great either.

:) I always peek into your thread, some of the mysteries you read have a way of sneaking onto my wish list.

>62 MrsLee: Likewise:0)



Written in red by Anne Bishop #22
April TIOLI #15. Read a book where the author's initials are the same or are one letter away
Own book, Ebook, urban fantasy

How can a book where humans are prey be gentle? I really liked this, although it is a strange mixture of the savage and the whimsical. A really nice read. Pretty reminiscent of the Black Jewels trilogy with a lone female turning a largely male world on its head. I suspect I will re-read this one almost immediately. Whatever faults it has, the story is oddly compelling.

>63 Athabasca: I haven't read Written in red, but it sounds like how I feel about the Black Jewels. I can see loads of flaws in those books, particularly regarding male/female roles, but like you say, they are oddly compelling.

I didn't have this reaction to Sebastian, I was actually rather disappointed in those books.

>64 zjakkelien: I agree. I love the Black Jewels trilogy, although I have all sorts of issues with them. I couldn't get anywhere with Sebastian - I don't think I even finished it. Whereas I re-read the Black Jewels frequently - I don't always like the other books in the sequence as much.

>65 Athabasca: Agreed. I like the original trilogy very much. But some of the sequels are not so great. I particularly dislike the book about the scary house, or whatever it was called. I thought that book was stupid and un-interesting. I did like the two books about Shalador. Some of the short stories are ok too, perhaps not the greatest of stories, but part of the appeal about the books are the characters and the world, and the stories allow you another look. The only one I didn't read is the last story in the last book. One of my friends said that that story spoiled the whole series for her, so I've avoided it.

>63 Athabasca: & following: I've just started reading Written in red and had to force myself to put the book down and go sleep. It grabbed me straight away! Intriguing worldbuilding and characters I want to get to know better.

>67 Sakerfalcon: I agree, great characters and completely enthralling. I've already re-read Written in red several times. A great example of exceptional storytelling.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer #23
April TIOLI #1 Read a book whose first sentence has exactly seven words: Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The screw through Cinder's ankle had rusted)
Library book, fantasy, YA

This was kinda fun - a rather barmy re-telling of the Cinderella story. Pity it ended so inconclusively. Will Cinders escape the evil Queen, win the heart of the Prince and ensure the wicked step-mother gets her comeuppance? I guess I'll have to keep reading to find out.(Some great characters/believable jeopardy but a rather complex plot to hang on a fable.)

May TIOLI

#1: Read a book which mentions a tree on any page with double numbers: Night broken by Patricia Briggs
#5. Read a book with a word in the title that could be something good: Fortune's pawn by Rachel Bach
#15 Read a book with the letter "Y" somewhere in the title:Necessity's child by Sharon Lee
#18. Read a book that has a connection to the number 5: The Janus stone by Elly Griffiths

Necessity's child by Sharon Lee #24
May TIOLI #15 Read a book with the letter "Y" somewhere in the title
Library book, SF

Just lovely. A sweet wee tale set on Korval's new home on Surebleak - great characters, although the plot is perhaps a wee bit predictable. Lots of cameo appearances by old friends. Annoyingly, I've managed to skip over a few books in the series, so I'll need to backtrack a bit.

Fortune's pawn by Rachel Bach #25
May TIOLI #5. Read a book with a word in the title that could be something good
Library book, SF

A very enjoyable, if mystifying, military SF story. Strong characters, a whole panoply of aliens and a complex plot (well not really, at the moment we're just killing things, but there seems to be some big secret conspiracy to uncover in the next books!). Good fun. Very readable.

>72 Athabasca: I liked the look of that... It is now added to the ever growing wishlist.

>73 LunaticDruid:, It is a fun read. I liked the main character and there seem to be enough ideas to make the next few books worth a read too.

Night broken by Patrcia Briggs #26
May TIOLI #1: Read a book which mentions a tree on any page with double numbers (garage-bay/p33)
Library book, urban fantasy

Another lovely addition to the Mercy Thompson series. Great characters, good plot, loads of fun. Mercy seems to be having some trouble deciding which is the most dangerous - an evil deity, a capricious deity, a nasty fae or her husband's ex-wife! Quite a cast of baddies, when you add them all up.

The Martian by Andy Weir #27
Library book, SF

Well, well, this was excellent - completely unputdownable. Kind of Robinson Crusoe meets Apollo 13 and exactly what good SF is about, in my opinion. It would be an excellent introduction for those who haven't read any SF, as it reads more like a thriller, although there is a fair amount of technical detail. Loved it.

>76 Athabasca: I'm number 16 of 28 on the waiting list for that. I can't believe my library system only has 1 e-book copy and no paper copies.

>77 SylviaC: I think it might be a bit of a surprise hit and the publisher should be rushing out more! Oddly, I noticed a 2011 and 2014 copyright date, so I wonder if they've brought it out before, or whether he had problems getting published. If that's the case, I'm surprised it didn't come out straight to paperback - someone obviously had confidence in it or they may be intending to market it as non-SF. I maybe missed the hype (I usually do) and stumbled upon it by accident.

Edited to add: Ha, Andy Weir wrote it online first and now the publishers are struggling to catch up! Good for him.

The King by J.R. Ward #28
Library book, urban fantasy

The latest (but by no means the best) of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. A rather confusing mix of the tribulations of the present royal couple and the past one. Not really a clear plot-arc, or much of anything else. A few things are resolved, others left hanging. Pleasant, but, at heart, basically pointless.

I've seen The Martian mentioned in a couple of threads and it seems to be something that I might enjoy. I guess that's the first BB since my return.

>80 AHS-Wolfy: hehe! Gotcha!

June TIOLI

#1. Read a book whose author’s first and last name end in the same letter: Troubled waters by Sharon Shinn
#9. Read a book that doesn't have a person on the cover; A cold day for murder by Dana Stabenow;
#19: Read a book that has been published with at least two different covers; The gift by Alison Croggan
#21: Read a book by an author with a three-letter-first name; Abandon by Meg Cabot

The Janus stone by Elly Griffiths #29
TIOLI May #18. Read a book that has a connection to the number 5 (2 word title of 5 letters each)
Library book, crime

An OK second book in the series. The characters are good, but I found the plot a wee bit obvious - as was the final chase through the Norfolk Broads. Competent rather than great, but I did enjoy the historical background.

>76 Athabasca: I'm really looking forward to this one!

Every time I've seen your screen name I've wondered if you have read MacLean's book with the same title. I dropped by your library this morning and I see that you have. :-) As for me, yes, I have seen and photographed Alco #261.

>84 alco261:, I have read Alistair McLean, although I didn't think Athabasca was one of his best - I saw the name on a map while ski-ing in Canada and liked the double connotation. Errr.. What is an Alco #261??

>85 Athabasca: The American Locomotive Co. manufactured steam locomotives in the U.S. for a long time. #261 is one of those that escaped the scrappers torch. She currently resides in Minnesota and from time to time her owners take her out on special excursions. I have a picture of her in the photo section of my library. As for Athabasca, I agree - not MacLean's best. The two of his I enjoy the most (ahd have re-read numerous times) are The Black Shrike and When Eight Bells Toll

I remember nothing about MacLean's Athabasca except for the huge amount of detail about the tar sands. To this day, most of what I know about the tar sands comes from that book—and I'm Canadian, so they're always in the news.

Ghost ship by Sharon Lee #30
Own book, SF

A couple of books back from Necessity's child and trying to bring together several story-arcs contiguous with Korval's move to Surebleak. Fun, but only if you have read most of the series - a bit confusing otherwise, I would have thought. Almost every character encountered is an old friend.

>86 alco261:, I'm afraid I know very little about trains, particularly in the US. However I do like the McLean books you mention. The black shrike was the Dark Crusader over here. I also enjoyed the Navarone books, but I think that HMS Ulysses is my all time favourite and the one I re-read most often.

>87 SylviaC: I had forgotten about the Tar sands- probably time for a re-read! :0)

A cold day for murder by Dana Stabenow #31
TIOLI June #9. Read a book that doesn't have a person on the cover
Own book, Ebook, crime

First in the series and really pretty good. Interesting characters and background. I think the series might develop well. As usual. the dog was one of the best characters.

On Basilisk Station by David Weber #32
Own book, Ebook, SF

A re-read of a free Baen Ebook. Love the series- great characters and world-building. Now I'll just have to read the rest of the series again.

Troubled waters by Sharon Shinn #33
TIOLI June #1: Read a book whose author’s first and last name end in the same letter
Own book, fantasy

A wee gem - well-crafted fantasy with good characters, an interesting (and internally logical) magic system and a fun romance. Perhaps a bit domestic in tone - not a great deal happened, but a thoroughly enjoyable read (and re-read).

The gift by Alison Croggon #34
TIOLI June #19: Read a book that has been published with at least two different covers
Library book, YA, fantasy

It was alright, I guess. There was something undeveloped, particularly around pacing and character development. There were some nice ideas, but none were much developed before being dropped for a better idea. Lots and lots of Tolkien analogues, which did become a bit tiring. It was OK. I might read the rest.

I guess that writing stuff is much harder than it looks. Although the writing style was adequate, the pacing and development of ideas and characters really floundered. Very much a journeyman work, I think.

Published elsewhere as The naming

>94 Athabasca: That last book looked familiar, so I looked it up. The author's name is actually Alison Croggon. Too bad you didn't like it so much. I have it somewhere, but haven't read it yet...

I recently read my first Sharon Shinn, and really liked it. Troubled waters is on my wishlist...

>94 Athabasca: I agree with your thoughts on The gift. I also read the next two but found I just didn't care enough to finish the series, which says a lot. Maeve never really came alive for me; things just seemed to happen to her and she went along with them but I couldn't really tell what she thought or felt about anything. The author obviously put a huge amount of effort into the worldbuilding - those appendices! - but even that felt very generic.

I'm glad you enjoyed Troubled waters though as that is sitting on my Mount Tbr.

Okay, you got me with Troubled Waters. It now resides on my Nook.

>96 zjakkelien: >97 Sakerfalcon: It wasn't terrible, but the Sharon Shinn title showed up its deficiencies rather too well for it to grab me.

>98 Marissa_Doyle: I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Abandon by Meg Cabot #35
June TIOLI #21: Read a book by an author with a three-letter-first name
Ebook, YA, urban fantasy

Tall, dark, dead stranger; back-from-the-dead heroine; Furies and escapes from the Underworld with a Twilighty feel. However, this was not half bad. I don't think we got under the skin of the hero, but the heroine had some spunk. It does end rather inconclusively, so I may need to read the next one. Well-written, if a bit undeveloped in places.

97, 98> I read Troubled Waters last summers and liked it. I wasn't exceptionally fond of the romance aspect, but the world was well done.

Statistics Apr-June 2014

Books acquired: 25 (8 ebooks)
Books read: 15

Books read

Female authors: 13
Male authors : 2

TBR Pile: 6
Library : 9

E-books: 4

Crime. 2
SF 5
Fantasy 2
Urban Fan. 4
YA 2

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Dragon ship by Sharon Lee #36
July TIOLI #14. Read a book where the author has only one A in his/her name
Library book, SF

Another Liaden novel. OK, but I think it struggled with all the different plots being developed. Also the Old Tech plot line is one I never felt worked terribly well. However, as usual, lots of appearances by old favourites and a fun read. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't read the earlier books - it doesn't stand alone well.

July TIOLI

#1: Read a book which offers advice on page 85; Divergent by Veronica Roth
#9: Read a book about art theft or art forgery; The Gauguin connection by Estelle Ryan(Shared read)
#14. Read a book where the author has only one A in his/her name; Dragon ship by Sharon Lee

Divergent by Veronica Roth #37
July TIOLI #1: Read a book which offers advice on page 85 (we should look the part)
Own book , Ebook, YA

Very enjoyable. Oddly, I had seen the film first and this might be one of those instances where the film is as good as the book. However, interesting world set-up, good characters and I definitely want to know what happens next. Lives up to the hype.

The Gauguin connection by Estelle Ryan #38
July TIOLI #9: Read a book about art theft or art forgery
Own book, Ebook, crime

Good fun. An unusual heroine pulled into the dark world of art thefts and forgeries. The pace was maybe a bit laboured and the romance a bit heavy-handed, but overall an engrossing read. A bit of a 'Bones' vibe to it.

I so didn't need more authors on the wishlist! But some of these sound delicious;
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/jul/09/uk-ya-young-adult-li...

Baen free short story collection 2013 #39
Baen free short story collection 2014 #40

Yet again, not that I needed more new authors to explore! These are really good, with some well-known authors included, Sharon Lee, Wen Spencer and Ben Bova made appearances. 2014 had 4 longish stories, 2013 a lot more, some fairly short. The Wen Spencer tale set around the time of Tinker's kidnapping was pretty good and there are two good stories set in the Liaden universe. For a free download, there are some great stories here.

LOL, I saw "Baen free" and for a second thought that Baen must be a horrible character for them to write whole short story collections which promise not to have any Baen in them. ;)

I can see how that would work, or Baen could be a code for an element, like sugar-free or gluten-free. I wonder why we don't have sugar-free stories - think how it would help our waistlines!

>109 MrsLee: Hahaha!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth #41
Library book, SF, YA

Definitely not as good as the first book. Confused and confusing. However, it ends well so I guess I'll have to read the last one, just to see what happens next.

TIOLI August

Didn't manage any of my planned August TIOLI reads. Better luck in September, I hope!

Corrag is truly beautifully done. I loved it. Nice that I could not predict the finish.

>114 JannyWurts:, I'm looking forward to it. A friend recommended it and then I saw it mentioned on LT somewhere. I think I need a bit of a change of pace.

Baen free short story collection 2012 #42
E-book, own, SF

Again a few lovely stories and some rather strange ones. Two particular silly ones to finish with, but I rather liked the Sharon Shinn and Wen Spencer efforts.

Just one damned thing after another by Jodi Taylor #43
Ebook, own,

Good fun, if a little haphazard. I honestly don't think the author really knew what was happening next and was as surprised as the reader at the next twist. However, a lot of fun, if a bit Harry-Potter-for-adults. Great characters, barmy plot, tons of energy, not always under the control of the author. A bit of a wild ride.

>117 Athabasca: I'm a little confused. Doesn't your challenge say "not written by Jodi Taylor" but your book was written by Jodi Taylor?

Meredy - thanks I obviously mis-read it! (Stupid!!) Off to find another challenge!

OOF! Took another bullet on Just One Damned Thing After Another. This is a dangerous thread.

>120 Marissa_Doyle: Hope you enjoy it. It is a bit different.



Four by Veronica Roth #44
Library book, YA

Fun, if light. A few short stories about one of Divergent's main characters. Meant to give you insight to the love interest - not sure it works particularly well. Read it if you like the series.

>121 Athabasca: Totally agree with your assessment of it--out of control, but fun. I wish it had been a tad less haphazard because I think it could have been a better book, but yes, a wild ride with some laugh-out-loud lines.

>122 Marissa_Doyle:, It is a bit of fun, isn't it? Refreshing, if not particularly well-written, or do I mean well-edited?



Midnight sun by Stephenie Meyer #45
Ebook, own, Urban Fan, re-read

A comfort read for me. Twilight in partial draft through the POV of Edward. Unfinished, unedited, full of little mistakes, but a fun read.

TIOLI September

#14: Read a book that is part of a series and whose author's first or last name is five or six letters in length: The long way home by Louise Penny (Shared read); Archangel by Sharon Shinn
#18: Read a book written by more than one author; Trade secret by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

Archangel by Sharon Shinn #46
TIOLI September #14
Own book, fantasy

A rather intriguing fantasy with some nice elements. I'm sure this will be an interesting series. I confess I was tempted to bang the heads of the romantic leads together on several occasions, but, apart from that, good fun all around - well-written, nicely plotted and a fabulous approach to the old deus-ex-machina. Indeed that might have been the whole point. Lovely

The long way home by Louise Penny #47
TIOLI Sept #14
Library book, crime

In Scotland, "There's been a murrrrder" has become a bit of a stock phrase, due to the Taggart series. In this book it's not all that clear whether there has been a murder, there is a murder or there will be a murder, (A bit like declining a French verb!) although all the tenses are sort-of true. I love Louise Penny and I enjoyed the book, but it is a bit different. More about how we all deal (or not) with loss and/or failure and the journey that takes us on. (Love the Scottish connection and the question; Why would he go to Dumfries?? Why indeed!)

>125 Athabasca: I enjoyed the Samaria books a lot, despite the mule-headed romantic leads that Shinn seems to favour. I did wish that my copy of Archangel hadn't gone into so much detail in the blurb about the SF elements behind the religion in the story - I'd have preferred to have figured it out as I went along.

>127 Sakerfalcon: Definitely a bit of a spoiler - and surely the slow reveal is part of the fun.

Calculated in death by J.D. Robb #48
Own book, re-read, crime

A comfort re-read. The usual formula with the usual suspects. This time the denouement is staged at the premiere of the film made about a previous case. Rather meta. Good fun.

Trade secret by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller #49
TIOLI Sept #18 Read a book by more than one author
Library book, SF

A lovely Liaden book -again a sequel to a book written many years ago. Good fun, but complex and I'm not sure the plot was really worth the attention it got, or didn't get! As usual great characters.

Personal by Lee Child #50
Library book, crime

Another great Reacher - looks simple to start with but ends up beautifully complex. Very much enjoyed the London background.

July to September 2014

Acquired 17
Read 14

Male authors 1
Female authors 10

Own 8
Library 6
Ebooks 5

Re-read 2

Crime 4
SF 5
Fantasy 3
Short stories 4

I feel bad about my neck by Nora Ephron #51
Library book, non-fiction

A wonderful wee collection of the writings of Nora Ephron - growing old, the problem with handbags, cooking fashions and parenting all get a good going over. Amusing and wistful in equal measure. One chapter, 'On rapture', was about reading and it's a perfect description of what reading a great book is like. That chapter alone should be read by all bibliophiles (and, perhaps more importantly, required reading for all those sad souls who just don't 'get' reading).

October TIOLI

#1: Read a book with a species of bird named in the narrative; Dead until dark by Charlaine Harris
#5. Read a book with an S and a T in the title that you've never read before: Shifting shadows by Patricia Briggs
#13: Read a book that lists the words 'magic' or 'horror' in the tags: Skin game by Jim Butcher
#15. Read a book where either a character or the author is named Henry: Murder of crows by Anne Bishop

Murder of crows by Anne Bishop #52
TIOLI Oct #15. Read a book where either a character or the author is named Henry
Own book, Ebook, urban fantasy

Second in the Others series. Fun with lots of new elements. Great characters but the plot seemed a bit rushed with quite a lot of having to back up to explain what had just happened. A bit clumsy for such an experienced writer.

Dead until dark by Charlaine Harris #53
TIOLI #1: Read a book with a species of bird named in the narrative (bittern p 65)
Own book, urban fantasy.

Fun. I'd given up on another Sookie book, but starting at the beginning was a whole lot better. Now I have the whole series ahead of me and the TV show as well!

>125 Athabasca: one of those LT moments, when you think, that book sounds really interesting, I must add it to my wishlist - to find that it's already there. Maybe I need to start tagging where I first come across books...

>137 reading_fox: I like that idea! As I was working through my book covers on LT, I ran across lots of wish list books which I couldn't remember why they were there! I think I should add that info in the Private Comments section.

>137 reading_fox: >138 MrsLee: That is a good idea - I keep intending to tag who recommended the book - that way I'll know who is closest to me in taste. By the time I actually get around to reading most books, I've completely forgotten which thread I found it on. And, like you, I often duplicate books, probably from re-reading the same threads!

Shifting shadows by Patricia Briggs #54
#5. Read a book with an S and a T in the title that you've never read before
Library book, urban fantasy

Short stories set in the world of Mercy Thompson. Some interesting background and development of secondary characters. Enjoyed it.

>135 Athabasca: The third book will be out in March--it's called Vision in Silver.

>141 Marissa_Doyle: can't wait!

A secret rage by Charlaine Harris #55
TIOLI Nov #6: Read a book whose title starts with a one letter word
Library book, urban fantasy

OK little story about rape and murder in a Southern town. Not much of anything really, but an adequate wee tale

Hazardous duty by Christy Barritt #56
Own book, Ebook, crime

Not really worth bothering about. An interesting idea - a scene of crime cleaner who takes on investigating. However, poorly realised. The criminal is discovered by a process of elimination- everyone else is dead or in prison. I particularly dislike the religious overtones. Some fun characters but very much a journeyman work.

The steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein #57
Own book, Ebook, fantasy

A fine wee fantasy set in an interesting world. Focuses on the old empirical vs magical debate. Good characters and should work into a good series.

The greatcoat by Helen Dunmore #58
TIOLI Nov #10: Read a book as an act of remembrance
Library book, romance

A nice wee tale about a wartime romance with supernatural overtones. Short and vivid - perhaps not developed in much depth, but with some great characterisation. Must read more by this author!

>146 Athabasca: I liked that one too. She did a marvelous job with the eerieness.

You should try The Siege by Helen Dunmore, a book that gave me nightmares, not about ghosts or boogie men but about the reality of starvation. It still gives me shivers thinking about it several years later.

>147 Marissa_Doyle: >148 infjsarah: Thanks, she does appear to be an author worth exploring. I'm looking forward to her new one about the First World War.

TIOLI Dec

#9: Read a book with a musical term in the title or author; Daughter of time by Josephine Tey (Shared read)
#17 - Read a book by an author that has a pseudonym; Festive in death by J.D. Robb

Festive in death by J.D. Robb #59
TIOLI Dec #17 Read a book by an author that has a pseudonym
Library book, crime

Just lovely. Hits all the usual spots, a bit on the soppy side with a rather underplayed crime and long drawn out resolution. I think this was one of the times in this series that the background was in danger of overtaking the crime solving. However, very much played to the fans. If you like the series, you'll love it.

Daughter of time by Josephine Tey #60
TIOLI Dec #9 Read a book with a musical term in the title
library book, historical.

In a word - Fabulous. A lovely wee book - beautifully written, lovely premise, great characters. It was great. I have no idea if the central premise holds water, but what a lovely way of spending some time. This was my first Tey and it surely won't be the last. I must own this one as it will be a constant re-read, I'm sure.

Invincible by Jack Campbell #61
Library book, Science fiction

Fun, if a bit confusing - too many enemies/allies/political chicanery to keep ahead of. However, a fun space romp.

October to December statistics

Books acquired 13

Books read 11

Male authors 1
Female authors 10
Ebooks 3

Library books 7
Own books 4

Crime 3
Fantasy 2
Urban fantasy 2
Historical 2
SF 1
Non-fiction 1

End of year statistics

Books acquired 76

Books read 60

Male authors 11
Female authors 46
Ebooks 23

Library books 29
Own books 31

Crime 15
Fantasy 9
Urban fantasy 8
Historical 6
SF 14
Non-fiction 5
YA 3
Short stories 4