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1LunaticDruid
Hi, and welcome fellow lurkers to my humble (I’m trying, okay!?) little corner of the Pub. Here I will post my thoughts on the books I read during the year. I try to avoid spoilers and rate the books purely on how much I enjoyed reading them at the time. I tend to read mostly Fantasy, Historical-fiction and some Science-fiction but I would like to venture on to other genres as well.
Last year I managed to read 15 books and once again I will aim towards 20 books in 2017. I am currently reading The Seal of the Worm by Adrian Tchaikovsky, the tenth and final book in the “Shadow of the Apt” series. As a human of the male variant I tend to read only one book at a time, but I alternate between four different series. I find this helps me get through some of the heavier series (as The Wheel of Time), but it also let me feed my brain some different flavors more often during the year.
Well, I’m off to throw stars at all the new 2017 topics popping up in the Green Dragon Pub (and catch up on all the 1425 posts from 2016 I haven’t read yet (yea, I used a calculator)). To self: OK, read one topic, then one chapter in your book. You can do this!
Last year I managed to read 15 books and once again I will aim towards 20 books in 2017. I am currently reading The Seal of the Worm by Adrian Tchaikovsky, the tenth and final book in the “Shadow of the Apt” series. As a human of the male variant I tend to read only one book at a time, but I alternate between four different series. I find this helps me get through some of the heavier series (as The Wheel of Time), but it also let me feed my brain some different flavors more often during the year.
Well, I’m off to throw stars at all the new 2017 topics popping up in the Green Dragon Pub (and catch up on all the 1425 posts from 2016 I haven’t read yet (yea, I used a calculator)). To self: OK, read one topic, then one chapter in your book. You can do this!
2BookstoogeLT
Looking forward to your thoughts on Seal. I enjoyed it as a book and as an end to the series. Hope it works out well for you!
3dovelynnwriter
Happy new year! Please don't mind if I do lurk about the thread. ^_^ May you enjoy Seal! Good luck on catching up on the posts too! *waves pompoms*
5LunaticDruid
Aaaand apparently, I can't spell my own nick in the title, I might be heading more towards the Lunatic part of my personality.
>2 BookstoogeLT: My Kindle tells me I got about 40% left. Things are heating up and falling apart depending on which side we follow.
>3 dovelynnwriter: I find the hardest part of catching up on posts are all the book-bullets just waiting in an ambush for me to pass. @kceccato has hit me twice already…
>4 hfglen: Happy New Year to you as well! If the weather is an indication it shapes up to be a great year. No wind and blue skies all day (And I’m not even in the center of a hurricane as I was last weekend)!
>2 BookstoogeLT: My Kindle tells me I got about 40% left. Things are heating up and falling apart depending on which side we follow.
>3 dovelynnwriter: I find the hardest part of catching up on posts are all the book-bullets just waiting in an ambush for me to pass. @kceccato has hit me twice already…
>4 hfglen: Happy New Year to you as well! If the weather is an indication it shapes up to be a great year. No wind and blue skies all day (And I’m not even in the center of a hurricane as I was last weekend)!
6dovelynnwriter
>5 LunaticDruid: I'd be all right with the book bullets, I think. I seem to have really effective armour. But I'd just look at the conversations that'd been going on and go hide in a corner, fending off brain weasels with a book instead of joining in.
7MrsLee
>6 dovelynnwriter: "I'd be all right with the book bullets, I think. I seem to have really effective armour."
Is that a challenge? ;)
>1 LunaticDruid: Looking forward to hearing about your reading this year.
Is that a challenge? ;)
>1 LunaticDruid: Looking forward to hearing about your reading this year.
11dovelynnwriter
>7 MrsLee: Technically, no. But practically, yes, almost certainly. ^-~
12Sakerfalcon
Looking forward to following your reading this year! I hope it is a good one for you in every way.
15LunaticDruid
>6 dovelynnwriter: >7 MrsLee: >8 Narilka: >9 majkia: >10 Peace2: >12 Sakerfalcon: >13 clamairy: >14 imyril: Happy New Book Year to you also!
I have started to sprinkle stars on all the new topics in the Pub. This does mean that I now got to catch up on 1453 posts, despite reading a couple of hundred yesterday! I’m not going to lie, I’m having a blast!
>6 dovelynnwriter: I don’t mind getting hit by book bullets, but I see my wishlist is growing way to fast. Specially since I’m not a terribly fast reader. It seems my Kindlemanjaro is only growing bigger!
I have started to sprinkle stars on all the new topics in the Pub. This does mean that I now got to catch up on 1453 posts, despite reading a couple of hundred yesterday! I’m not going to lie, I’m having a blast!
>6 dovelynnwriter: I don’t mind getting hit by book bullets, but I see my wishlist is growing way to fast. Specially since I’m not a terribly fast reader. It seems my Kindlemanjaro is only growing bigger!
16LunaticDruid
Book 1 2017
Seal of the Worm by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 10 of the " Shadows of the Apt " series.
Finished my first book of 2017. Seal of the Worm is the tenth and final book of the Shadows of the Apt series. The Wasps are still in control of Collegium. Stenwold Maker is gone and presumed dead. Che, alongside Thalric, Tynisa, Maure and Esmail now finds herself in the world of the Worm. The seal of the Worm is breaking, bringing an ancient evil once more to the lowlands.
I found this to be a strong finish to the series. There is a lot going on and we are jumping back and forth all over the lowlands and the Empire. The epilogues at the end tied most of the loose ends up nicely and I liked the addition of the more bitter endings for some of the characters (some amongst my favorites). Four out of five stars! (I wanted to make a new visual for my ratings this year, but I haven’t decided what they should be so I'll stick with my books (star) and scrolls (half a star) for now).
Overall this series has been a fun read, and blessedly different from anything I have previously read. I enjoyed the rapid development of new technology and the “reawakening” of more powerful magic. All the different human “species” made for a colorful roster of characters with a wide array of species related abilities. I did however struggle a bit to really connect with the characters (with a few exceptions), but I would gladly venture into this world again later. I Would love to see this as a CGI-, or animated series.
Seal of the Worm by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Book 10 of the " Shadows of the Apt " series.
Finished my first book of 2017. Seal of the Worm is the tenth and final book of the Shadows of the Apt series. The Wasps are still in control of Collegium. Stenwold Maker is gone and presumed dead. Che, alongside Thalric, Tynisa, Maure and Esmail now finds herself in the world of the Worm. The seal of the Worm is breaking, bringing an ancient evil once more to the lowlands.
I found this to be a strong finish to the series. There is a lot going on and we are jumping back and forth all over the lowlands and the Empire. The epilogues at the end tied most of the loose ends up nicely and I liked the addition of the more bitter endings for some of the characters (some amongst my favorites). Four out of five stars! (I wanted to make a new visual for my ratings this year, but I haven’t decided what they should be so I'll stick with my books (star) and scrolls (half a star) for now).
Overall this series has been a fun read, and blessedly different from anything I have previously read. I enjoyed the rapid development of new technology and the “reawakening” of more powerful magic. All the different human “species” made for a colorful roster of characters with a wide array of species related abilities. I did however struggle a bit to really connect with the characters (with a few exceptions), but I would gladly venture into this world again later. I Would love to see this as a CGI-, or animated series.
17majkia
>16 LunaticDruid: There's 10 of them! Oi. I have yet to start 1!
18BookstoogeLT
He has also written some standalone novels before starting yet another series. The standalones also deal with sentient non-humans. Good stuff.
19LunaticDruid
>17 majkia: Yupp, no trilogy here. When I look back, I started this series way back in 2014 and it have worked as a “Hollywood snack series” in my reading rotation.
>18 BookstoogeLT: I will definitely try out some of his stand-alone books at a later time.
>18 BookstoogeLT: I will definitely try out some of his stand-alone books at a later time.
20LunaticDruid
Book 2 2017
Marius' Mules VI: Caesar's Vow by S.J.A. Turney
Book 6 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Once again, we join up with Marcus Falerius Fronto as he is dry heaving over the side of a boat. After a couple of years in Rome he is returning to Gaul and Caesar. The events in Gaul that happened the year before proved that Gaul is far from subjugated. After wiping out an entire legion, the treacherous Ambiorix is still roaming as a free man and Caesar will stop at nothing to get the head of the Eburone king.
The action is over the top bloody and brutal (like the TV series of Spartacus) but I felt it lacked the weight of the action scenes found in the first few books where you could almost feel the press of Barbarians against the Roman shield wall. I felt the story was a bit weaker than in previous books. Most of the time we spend with Fronto on an entirely fictional hunt for one man, running back and forth in the forested lands. I did enjoy the book, but not as much as the previous ones. At times, it felt like the author wrote this as a filler and to prepare the reader for the next book in the series. What I liked best about the book was that it showed how brutal Rome could be against towards it’s enemies, all but exterminating two whole Belgae tribes . Those parts were uncomfortable and difficult to read, but it is too easy to gloss it over with the honor and glory of Rome and forget the horrors of war and conquest.
Now it is time to return to a series I started almost a year ago, The Ships of Merior by Janny Wurts.
Marius' Mules VI: Caesar's Vow by S.J.A. Turney
Book 6 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Once again, we join up with Marcus Falerius Fronto as he is dry heaving over the side of a boat. After a couple of years in Rome he is returning to Gaul and Caesar. The events in Gaul that happened the year before proved that Gaul is far from subjugated. After wiping out an entire legion, the treacherous Ambiorix is still roaming as a free man and Caesar will stop at nothing to get the head of the Eburone king.
The action is over the top bloody and brutal (like the TV series of Spartacus) but I felt it lacked the weight of the action scenes found in the first few books where you could almost feel the press of Barbarians against the Roman shield wall. I felt the story was a bit weaker than in previous books. Most of the time we spend with Fronto on an entirely fictional hunt for one man, running back and forth in the forested lands. I did enjoy the book, but not as much as the previous ones. At times, it felt like the author wrote this as a filler and to prepare the reader for the next book in the series. What I liked best about the book was that it showed how brutal Rome could be against towards it’s enemies,
Now it is time to return to a series I started almost a year ago, The Ships of Merior by Janny Wurts.
21clamairy
Oooh, how's the Wurts going? I too need to re-immerse myself in this series. And it's been 4 years for me. :o/
22LunaticDruid
Wow, it’s been one month since I last visited Librarything. Apparently, I need to work on my priorities!
>21 clamairy: Sorry for keeping you waiting! As it happens, I just finished The Ships of Merior yesterday.
Book 3 2017
The Ships of Merior by Janny Wurts
Book 2 of the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series.
It took me some time getting through this book. Life kept getting in the way! Also, I got the attention span of a newt at the moment. (I don’t really know what a newts attention span is, I just felt like comparing myself to one).
The story picks up several years after the events of The Curse of the Mistwraith. After the costly battle by the Tal Quorin river, Arithon, the Master of Shadow has gone into hiding. His half-brother Lysaer has returned to the city to raise another army to get rid of Arithon and his allies once and for all.
I enjoyed the time I spent in this book. The story has a slow and gradual build that ends up in a well-executed final chapter. Some of the scenes described in the book gave me such a cinematic view that I had to stop reading and savor the mental image for a moment. I also enjoyed learning more about the world and the Paravians and hope this will get even more fleshed out in the next book.
I have now started to read Odinsbarn (Odinschild) by Siri Pettersen. A Norse inspired fantasy novel that was recommended to me by a friend.
>21 clamairy: Sorry for keeping you waiting! As it happens, I just finished The Ships of Merior yesterday.
Book 3 2017
The Ships of Merior by Janny Wurts
Book 2 of the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series.
It took me some time getting through this book. Life kept getting in the way! Also, I got the attention span of a newt at the moment. (I don’t really know what a newts attention span is, I just felt like comparing myself to one).
The story picks up several years after the events of The Curse of the Mistwraith. After the costly battle by the Tal Quorin river, Arithon, the Master of Shadow has gone into hiding. His half-brother Lysaer has returned to the city to raise another army to get rid of Arithon and his allies once and for all.
I enjoyed the time I spent in this book. The story has a slow and gradual build that ends up in a well-executed final chapter. Some of the scenes described in the book gave me such a cinematic view that I had to stop reading and savor the mental image for a moment. I also enjoyed learning more about the world and the Paravians and hope this will get even more fleshed out in the next book.
I have now started to read Odinsbarn (Odinschild) by Siri Pettersen. A Norse inspired fantasy novel that was recommended to me by a friend.
23LunaticDruid
I’ve been gone from Librarything and social media for a while. 2017 has proven to be a difficult year. I am desperate to get away from where I work now, but there are almost no available jobs outside of sales at the moment. One and a half week ago a relative also decided to end his own life. As a person who struggle with anxiety and depression, this was (and still is) hard to deal with. It has really made me think how to deal with my own struggles and made it clear to me how important it is to seek help before it is too late.
But even if 2017 is proving to be a challenge, it is not all bad. I just spent a week with my wonderful family. The weather this summer is a perfect mix of good, sunny weather and cloudy rainy days, and mt. kindlemanjaro is still adding more books to be read. I am a bit behind, but I will try to post a short description/review thingy for every book I have read the last couple of months, starting with:
Book 4 2017
Odinsbarn (Odinschild) by Siri Pettersen
Book 1 of the "Ravneringene" (The Raven Rings) series.
Hirka has always been different from the other children. It is not only her unruly red hair that makes her different, but she is the girl with no tail.
Odinsbarn is a young adult series set in a world heavily inspired by Norse mythology. It spends a lot of time building the world and the story, but when it kicks of it really turn into a page-turner. I very much enjoyed both the story and the setting. (The worldbuilding is top notch) Hirka is behaving just as I would think a 15 winters old girl would behave, often clever but sometimes not so much. This is without a doubt a strong debut by author Siri Pettersen and I will continue the series. From what I can see from Wikipedia the series is sold to Italy, Estonia, Swede, Finland, Poland, Brazil, Denmark and the Czech Republic.
But even if 2017 is proving to be a challenge, it is not all bad. I just spent a week with my wonderful family. The weather this summer is a perfect mix of good, sunny weather and cloudy rainy days, and mt. kindlemanjaro is still adding more books to be read. I am a bit behind, but I will try to post a short description/review thingy for every book I have read the last couple of months, starting with:
Book 4 2017
Odinsbarn (Odinschild) by Siri Pettersen
Book 1 of the "Ravneringene" (The Raven Rings) series.
Hirka has always been different from the other children. It is not only her unruly red hair that makes her different, but she is the girl with no tail.
Odinsbarn is a young adult series set in a world heavily inspired by Norse mythology. It spends a lot of time building the world and the story, but when it kicks of it really turn into a page-turner. I very much enjoyed both the story and the setting. (The worldbuilding is top notch) Hirka is behaving just as I would think a 15 winters old girl would behave, often clever but sometimes not so much. This is without a doubt a strong debut by author Siri Pettersen and I will continue the series. From what I can see from Wikipedia the series is sold to Italy, Estonia, Swede, Finland, Poland, Brazil, Denmark and the Czech Republic.
24BookstoogeLT
>23 LunaticDruid: Sorry to hear about your work situation and your relative. I know that if work is bad it just affects everything else. People can say "leave it at the office" but it just doesn't work that way.
Hoping you can get some good quality read time in...
Hoping you can get some good quality read time in...
25clamairy
>23 LunaticDruid: I'm sorry to hear about your loss and your work stress. Getting help is crucial when you feel yourself sliding into sadness. Don't put it off. It's wonderful that you got to enjoy some family time.
26LunaticDruid
>24 BookstoogeLT: >25 clamairy: Thank you both for the kind words. To be able to escape into a book definitely helps!
Book 5 2017
The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller
Book 1 of the "Kingmaker, Kingbreaker" series.
Asher of Restharven is a fisherman's son. Being the younger brother he decides to sneak out and travel to the capital of Lur to gather enough wealth to buy his father a fishingboat or two. Meanwhile in the capital, Dathne senses the “innocent mage” from “the prophecy” is getting closer to the city.
Lur is a country protected from demons and monstrosities by a bright shining magical wall, but what is more interesting is that the king and “Weatherworker” is using his magic to control the weather in the country of Lur, making sure the crops get rain at regular intervals. The inhabitants is also divided into two species, the Doranen (magic-using High-elf types) and the Olken (magicless human type).
Overall this was an OK fantasy. I especially liked the “Weatherworking” aspect. Just the thought of having weather run by a schedule. I also liked a couple of the characters, but did not connect with Asher at all. He just seems like a brat to me. The book is in the need of some editing. How Asher manages to get himself hired by the Prince of Lur during the first day in the capital did not feel credible at all (especially by how Asher talk and behave). I also noticed that everybody seems to know that Asher is “Asher from Restharven” even though he only got presented as Asher a couple of sentences before. The book ends on a decent cliffhanger (almost literally).
*Edited to fix splelling mistlakes
Book 5 2017
The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller
Book 1 of the "Kingmaker, Kingbreaker" series.
Asher of Restharven is a fisherman's son. Being the younger brother he decides to sneak out and travel to the capital of Lur to gather enough wealth to buy his father a fishingboat or two. Meanwhile in the capital, Dathne senses the “innocent mage” from “the prophecy” is getting closer to the city.
Lur is a country protected from demons and monstrosities by a bright shining magical wall, but what is more interesting is that the king and “Weatherworker” is using his magic to control the weather in the country of Lur, making sure the crops get rain at regular intervals. The inhabitants is also divided into two species, the Doranen (magic-using High-elf types) and the Olken (magicless human type).
Overall this was an OK fantasy. I especially liked the “Weatherworking” aspect. Just the thought of having weather run by a schedule. I also liked a couple of the characters, but did not connect with Asher at all. He just seems like a brat to me. The book is in the need of some editing. How Asher manages to get himself hired by the Prince of Lur during the first day in the capital did not feel credible at all (especially by how Asher talk and behave). I also noticed that everybody seems to know that Asher is “Asher from Restharven” even though he only got presented as Asher a couple of sentences before. The book ends on a decent cliffhanger (almost literally).
*Edited to fix splelling mistlakes
27SylviaC
Sorry that you've been having a difficult time this year, but glad that you're still reading and back on LT.
28BookstoogeLT
>26 LunaticDruid: I enjoyed the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker duology, but when I tried the sequel series, I gave up quickly. Miller is just not for me overall and that duology was the exception to the rule....
29LunaticDruid
>27 SylviaC: Thank you. I have learned that the Green Dragon here on LT is something as rare as an safe haven on the internet for me. It is a good place to take refuge with a small glass of watered down PGGB, listening to all the topics and posts people share in the common area.
>28 BookstoogeLT: Yeah, I am currently reading The Awakened Mage, and I do enjoy parts of it. My main problem is that I don't like Asher at all! He still got 30% of the book to redeem himself, but my hopes are not high.
Book 6 2017
Prelude to War by S.J. A. Turney
Book 6,5 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Still catching up on books read this year.
This is a small collections of stories happening after the events in Caesar's Vow and is mostly to set up everything for what is to happen in the next book in the series The Great Revolt. It was an interesting read, but I don't really see why the author decided to put it in a separate book. It could easily have been split up and written as a part of the epilogue in book #6 and/or the prologue of book #7.
>28 BookstoogeLT: Yeah, I am currently reading The Awakened Mage, and I do enjoy parts of it. My main problem is that I don't like Asher at all! He still got 30% of the book to redeem himself, but my hopes are not high.
Book 6 2017
Prelude to War by S.J. A. Turney
Book 6,5 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Still catching up on books read this year.
This is a small collections of stories happening after the events in Caesar's Vow and is mostly to set up everything for what is to happen in the next book in the series The Great Revolt. It was an interesting read, but I don't really see why the author decided to put it in a separate book. It could easily have been split up and written as a part of the epilogue in book #6 and/or the prologue of book #7.
30Sakerfalcon
It's good to see you back here! I hope the rest of this year sees the good things start to outweigh the bad.
I read The innocent mage but didn't like it enough to read the sequel. I think I found Asher to be quite whiny and childish, and I agree that his connection to the Prince wasn't realistic. But I hope you like the second book more!
I read The innocent mage but didn't like it enough to read the sequel. I think I found Asher to be quite whiny and childish, and I agree that his connection to the Prince wasn't realistic. But I hope you like the second book more!
31LunaticDruid
>30 Sakerfalcon: Thank you. I am sure the positives will stack up soon enough, I just got to be patient.
The awakened Mage do struggle with the same problems I found in The Innocent Mage (just finished another chapter that needed some editing). If you didn't enjoy the first book, I don't think you would have liked the second any better.
The awakened Mage do struggle with the same problems I found in The Innocent Mage (just finished another chapter that needed some editing). If you didn't enjoy the first book, I don't think you would have liked the second any better.
32BookstoogeLT
>31 LunaticDruid: Yep, they seemed to be one big story chunked up into 2 big books...
33MrsLee
>29 LunaticDruid: "I have learned that the Green Dragon here on LT is something as rare as an safe haven on the internet for me."
*Takes up my broad sword and battle axe* I will defend you from all Roombas and SPITTING COBRAS!
Having happily fallen into the Green Dragon at the outset of my internet adventures, I know only rumors of what you speak, the the rumors are enough to keep me from venturing out. *Picks up mug of PGGB*
Hmm, we could write a very short book about an adventurer who sets out, but stops in for one more drink at the pub, and ends up staying there for the rest of their life.
*Takes up my broad sword and battle axe* I will defend you from all Roombas and SPITTING COBRAS!
Having happily fallen into the Green Dragon at the outset of my internet adventures, I know only rumors of what you speak, the the rumors are enough to keep me from venturing out. *Picks up mug of PGGB*
Hmm, we could write a very short book about an adventurer who sets out, but stops in for one more drink at the pub, and ends up staying there for the rest of their life.
34LunaticDruid
>31 LunaticDruid: Yeah, it seems like it is very common. I do understand the need when the story becomes of a certain length, but I am not a big fan of cliffhangers. It just feel like a cheap trick. If I like a book or a TV-series I am going to read the next book or watch the next episode even without a cliffhanger!
>32 BookstoogeLT: I am so relieved that you went for the sword and axe and not the marshmallow-gun. After all, cold, hard steel is much more effective against Roombas and Cobras than fluffy sugar-foam is.
Hey, are you trying to make someone write a Green Dragon Inn fanfic?? …I would read it!
Book 7 2017
Warhost of Vastmark by Janny Wurts
Book 3 of the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series.
Once again Lysear S’Ilessid has been defeated in combat by the Prince of Darkness, Arithon S’Ffalenn, his cursed half-brother. Now Lysear must once again gather allies to raise an army to hunt down the fleeing coward.
Arithon knows he is cursed as well as his half-brother. He can feel it every time he gets close to Lysear. They must find a way to stop the Curse of the Mistwraith, but Arithon need more time. That is why he is sailing on the ocean looking for leverage.
This story kicks of right after where the previous book ended. It continues to slowly build towards yet another clash between the half-brothers. I like spending time in this world, and do especially like when you learn more of the history. As with the previous books, the language used are more advanced than I am used to, and I am very happy my kindle is provided with a dictionary. It makes it a slower and heavier read for me, but it does help me develop my vocabulary which is never a bad thing.
This book ends the “Ships of Merrior” arc, but it also set the scene for the next book in the series.
>32 BookstoogeLT: I am so relieved that you went for the sword and axe and not the marshmallow-gun. After all, cold, hard steel is much more effective against Roombas and Cobras than fluffy sugar-foam is.
Hey, are you trying to make someone write a Green Dragon Inn fanfic?? …I would read it!
Book 7 2017
Warhost of Vastmark by Janny Wurts
Book 3 of the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series.
Once again Lysear S’Ilessid has been defeated in combat by the Prince of Darkness, Arithon S’Ffalenn, his cursed half-brother. Now Lysear must once again gather allies to raise an army to hunt down the fleeing coward.
Arithon knows he is cursed as well as his half-brother. He can feel it every time he gets close to Lysear. They must find a way to stop the Curse of the Mistwraith, but Arithon need more time. That is why he is sailing on the ocean looking for leverage.
This story kicks of right after where the previous book ended. It continues to slowly build towards yet another clash between the half-brothers. I like spending time in this world, and do especially like when you learn more of the history. As with the previous books, the language used are more advanced than I am used to, and I am very happy my kindle is provided with a dictionary. It makes it a slower and heavier read for me, but it does help me develop my vocabulary which is never a bad thing.
This book ends the “Ships of Merrior” arc, but it also set the scene for the next book in the series.
35LunaticDruid
OK, let’s try to get this back on track again. 2017 is still a crappy year of the kind that keep kicking you when you’re down. On the bright side, there is only December left, next year must be a better one.
This being a “catch up” post, this is what I have read since my last post in July (I’ll try to keep it short).
Book 8 2017
Råta by Siri Pettersen
Book 2 of the "Ravneringene" series.
Not as good as the first book. Hirka has in this book been transported to our world along with her raven Kuro, giving this book a lot more urban feel and taking a step away from the Norse mythology setting I liked so much in the first book. Fortunately, we get to visit “Ymslanda” from time to time to follow Rimes part of the story. I was surprised at how much cursing the book contained as the first one had none, but then I remembered they had their own expressions in their own world that in that world might have been just as bad.
Book 9 2017
The Awakened Mage by Karen Miller
Book 2 of the "Kingmaker, Kingbreaker" series.
This one continued from the cliffhanger from the last book. Still couldn’t get into it. The story is decent, but not much more. Mr. Evil person is too weak compared to his backstory of apocalyptic proprtions, and Asher (the one we are supposed to root for) is still a bit of adick . I don’t think this author is my cup of cocoa (I don’t drink tea).
Book 10 2017
Marius' Mules VII: The Great Revolt by S.J. A. Turney
Book 7 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Once again Gaul is in open revolt. The Roman Legions must once again pick up their shield and gladius and march deep into hostile territory. Veteran Marcus Falerius Fronto, a little older yet still as grumpy is marching with them. Little does he know that this will be the hardest and most costly season yet. I can’t help but enjoy this series now that we are back with the legions as they meet their biggest challenge yet.
Book 11 2017
Fugitive Prince by Janny Wurts
Book 4 of the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series.
It is starting to get easier to get into a good flow reading this. The style of writing is a lot more poetic and advanced from what I am used to, but that is one of the things I love about it. After a big setback, Lysear is once again gathering allies, and building up a new fleet to help him defeat the prince of shadow. Arithon on the other hand is plotting to use the same ships against Lysear. All this is further complicated as the Koriani witches enter the fray on Lysears side.
I am sure I’m missing a lot of the subtleties in the story, but I do enjoy this series a lot. I might have to plan a reread of the series a couple of years from now.
Book 12 2017
Evna by Siri Pettersen
Book 3 of the "Ravneringene" series.
The third and final book in the series. Once again Hirka is transported to another world, this time to the land of her father and the creatures people in “Ymslanda” (the world from the first book) calls “likfødte” (corpse-born) or “de blinde” (the blind). A tall and slender race with muscles harder than stone, and claws sharper than steel. Oh, and white iris-less eyes. Thy call themselves “Umpiri”.
This was a satisfying read(not counting the parts where drinking ravens blood was involved) . The author is not limited to our world and continues to develop her own fantasy worlds. In this book we are taken to a stunning city built under a glacier. Hirka got to find her place in a family who see their race as superior to her. After all, Hirka is only half Umpiri, and half human. Still, she has traveled between worlds and might be the one person who can bring the Umpiri back to “Evna” (the source of magic).
The series has been sold to several countries and should be available in different languages, but I don’t think it has been translated to English yet.
Currently reading:
I have now started on the same journey as YouKneeK started last year. For the first time, I am reading a Discworld book by Terry Pratchett. I am about halfway through The Colour Of Magic and loving it! Oh, the masterful and brilliant British silliness.
This being a “catch up” post, this is what I have read since my last post in July (I’ll try to keep it short).
Book 8 2017
Råta by Siri Pettersen
Book 2 of the "Ravneringene" series.
Not as good as the first book. Hirka has in this book been transported to our world along with her raven Kuro, giving this book a lot more urban feel and taking a step away from the Norse mythology setting I liked so much in the first book. Fortunately, we get to visit “Ymslanda” from time to time to follow Rimes part of the story. I was surprised at how much cursing the book contained as the first one had none, but then I remembered they had their own expressions in their own world that in that world might have been just as bad.
Book 9 2017
The Awakened Mage by Karen Miller
Book 2 of the "Kingmaker, Kingbreaker" series.
This one continued from the cliffhanger from the last book. Still couldn’t get into it. The story is decent, but not much more. Mr. Evil person is too weak compared to his backstory of apocalyptic proprtions, and Asher (the one we are supposed to root for) is still a bit of a
Book 10 2017
Marius' Mules VII: The Great Revolt by S.J. A. Turney
Book 7 of the "Marius' Mules" series.
Once again Gaul is in open revolt. The Roman Legions must once again pick up their shield and gladius and march deep into hostile territory. Veteran Marcus Falerius Fronto, a little older yet still as grumpy is marching with them. Little does he know that this will be the hardest and most costly season yet. I can’t help but enjoy this series now that we are back with the legions as they meet their biggest challenge yet.
Book 11 2017
Fugitive Prince by Janny Wurts
Book 4 of the "Wars of Light and Shadow" series.
It is starting to get easier to get into a good flow reading this. The style of writing is a lot more poetic and advanced from what I am used to, but that is one of the things I love about it. After a big setback, Lysear is once again gathering allies, and building up a new fleet to help him defeat the prince of shadow. Arithon on the other hand is plotting to use the same ships against Lysear. All this is further complicated as the Koriani witches enter the fray on Lysears side.
I am sure I’m missing a lot of the subtleties in the story, but I do enjoy this series a lot. I might have to plan a reread of the series a couple of years from now.
Book 12 2017
Evna by Siri Pettersen
Book 3 of the "Ravneringene" series.
The third and final book in the series. Once again Hirka is transported to another world, this time to the land of her father and the creatures people in “Ymslanda” (the world from the first book) calls “likfødte” (corpse-born) or “de blinde” (the blind). A tall and slender race with muscles harder than stone, and claws sharper than steel. Oh, and white iris-less eyes. Thy call themselves “Umpiri”.
This was a satisfying read
The series has been sold to several countries and should be available in different languages, but I don’t think it has been translated to English yet.
Currently reading:
I have now started on the same journey as YouKneeK started last year. For the first time, I am reading a Discworld book by Terry Pratchett. I am about halfway through The Colour Of Magic and loving it! Oh, the masterful and brilliant British silliness.
36YouKneeK
>35 LunaticDruid: I’m glad you’re enjoying Discworld right off the bat! It took me a while to fully warm up to the silliness, so it sounds like you’re better prepared to enjoy it than I was. :) I hope 2018 is much better for you.
37LunaticDruid
>36 YouKneeK: Thank you, I hope so too.
Yeah, there is something about British humor that suits me. I love it when I am able to watch new episodes of "QI" (quite interesting), "Would I lie to you?", "8 out of 9 cats does countdown" or anything by stand-up comedian Michael McIntyre.
Yeah, there is something about British humor that suits me. I love it when I am able to watch new episodes of "QI" (quite interesting), "Would I lie to you?", "8 out of 9 cats does countdown" or anything by stand-up comedian Michael McIntyre.
38BookstoogeLT
>35 LunaticDruid: I gave up on Miller after her next book in the mage series. Never read another book by her and don't miss a thing :-)
Also glad you're enjoying Colour of Magic. I liked the Rhincewind set of books the best, so I hope you continue to enjoy Pratchetts stuff.
Also glad you're enjoying Colour of Magic. I liked the Rhincewind set of books the best, so I hope you continue to enjoy Pratchetts stuff.
39LunaticDruid
>38 BookstoogeLT: Yupp, Miller was not my kind of storyteller. I did like a lot of her world-building, but struggled with the characters.
Book 13 2017
Colour Of Magic by Terry Pratchett
Book 1 of the"Discworld" series.
After being on my “to read sometime” for several years I finally decided to add The Colour of Magic as one of my thingaversary books last year. Still it took me until now to actually start reading it. I keep a strict reading system where I only read one book at a time. I am also no longer reading two books of the same series back to back, but keep rotating through four different series. This brings me to one of the upsides of my system. Once I’m finished with a series, I have room to fit in a new series. Which means that from now on, every fourth book I am reading will be a Discworld book.
Being a big fan of British humor, I didn’t need much time settling into this book. By the first barfight I was chuckling like a madman. I think this was just the right book at the right time. It did become a bit too silly (even for me) in some of the middle parts, but still, this was a lot of fun.
Working in retail, things are getting busy. I still hope to finish one more book before the year ends. I am going back to visit the Roman Empire and my grumpy old friend Fronto in Sons of Taranis.
Book 13 2017
Colour Of Magic by Terry Pratchett
Book 1 of the"Discworld" series.
After being on my “to read sometime” for several years I finally decided to add The Colour of Magic as one of my thingaversary books last year. Still it took me until now to actually start reading it. I keep a strict reading system where I only read one book at a time. I am also no longer reading two books of the same series back to back, but keep rotating through four different series. This brings me to one of the upsides of my system. Once I’m finished with a series, I have room to fit in a new series. Which means that from now on, every fourth book I am reading will be a Discworld book.
Being a big fan of British humor, I didn’t need much time settling into this book. By the first barfight I was chuckling like a madman. I think this was just the right book at the right time. It did become a bit too silly (even for me) in some of the middle parts, but still, this was a lot of fun.
Working in retail, things are getting busy. I still hope to finish one more book before the year ends. I am going back to visit the Roman Empire and my grumpy old friend Fronto in Sons of Taranis.
40YouKneeK
>39 LunaticDruid: I’m glad you enjoyed it so much! Although I’m not a series rotator, I can completely identify with the one-book-at-a-time process. :)
41Sakerfalcon
>39 LunaticDruid: I'm glad you enjoyed The colour of magic. It's quite different to later books in the series and a lot of people much prefer those, so it's good that it has whetted your appetite to carry on.
42reading_fox
>35 LunaticDruid: - you'll be glad to know then that Destiny's Conflict was released last month (book 10) and she's starting writing the final book. They're all good (and long) and intense. One of my very favourite series.
Only another 40 odd discworld books to go, 10 and a bit years at one every 4 months.
I quite liked Karen Miller's work, especially Awakened Mage, and found Ash funny rather than annoying. Each to their own.
A fan of the british humour, but don't drink tea?! Not possible.
Only another 40 odd discworld books to go, 10 and a bit years at one every 4 months.
I quite liked Karen Miller's work, especially Awakened Mage, and found Ash funny rather than annoying. Each to their own.
A fan of the british humour, but don't drink tea?! Not possible.
43Darth-Heather
>39 LunaticDruid: If this book made you laugh so much, I look forward to the day when you get to the fifth one, Sourcery, which earned me a stern reprimand from a flight attendant for my out-loud guffaws. The footnotes had me just about in tears... The Luggage is such a great character...
44LunaticDruid
>40 YouKneeK: I introduced the series rotation after trying to read the wheel of time series by Robert Jordan one book after the other. When I had finished the fourth book I needed a brake, either from the series or from reading as a whole (I am a "completionist" and this felt like a major defeat). I tried rotating in a few other series and found that, not only did it help me get through the lengthier series, but it also gave me the opportunity to visit other worlds as well during the year (I am not a speedy reader).
The one book at a time rule got introduced after I kept having dreams of Roman legionaries fighting of a Zerg invasion (I was reading the Emperor series by Conn Iggulden at the same time as a couple of Starcraft novels).
>41 Sakerfalcon: >42 reading_fox: I am looking forward to see what joys Discworld will bring. I also need to sneak in a reread of Good Omens somewhere (that was my only previous experience with Pratchett).
>42 reading_fox: Destiny's Conflict is already on the wishlist. I enjoy the Wars of Light and Shadow a lot, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I will like them even better when I return to reread the series in a couple of years.
Of the two books by Karen Miller I liked The Innocent Mage more. I just think Asher ended up rubbing me the wrong way after a while. I did enjoy the concept of a magically protected land and the weatherworking, but as you say, each to their own. Actually, I'm certain a lot of people would dislike Fronto from the Marius' Mules series I am reading now. He is also kind of adick . Not sure why I tolerate him and not Asher...
Coffee and tea are for grown up people. The biggest tea drinker in our family is my father (at least a liter a day), ironically he is the only one who don't understand British humor. He just think it is silly.
Of hot beverages I like is hot chocolate and the occasional mug of "gløgg" without the added spirits (I think this translates to mulled wine).
The one book at a time rule got introduced after I kept having dreams of Roman legionaries fighting of a Zerg invasion (I was reading the Emperor series by Conn Iggulden at the same time as a couple of Starcraft novels).
>41 Sakerfalcon: >42 reading_fox: I am looking forward to see what joys Discworld will bring. I also need to sneak in a reread of Good Omens somewhere (that was my only previous experience with Pratchett).
>42 reading_fox: Destiny's Conflict is already on the wishlist. I enjoy the Wars of Light and Shadow a lot, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I will like them even better when I return to reread the series in a couple of years.
Of the two books by Karen Miller I liked The Innocent Mage more. I just think Asher ended up rubbing me the wrong way after a while. I did enjoy the concept of a magically protected land and the weatherworking, but as you say, each to their own. Actually, I'm certain a lot of people would dislike Fronto from the Marius' Mules series I am reading now. He is also kind of a
Coffee and tea are for grown up people. The biggest tea drinker in our family is my father (at least a liter a day), ironically he is the only one who don't understand British humor. He just think it is silly.
Of hot beverages I like is hot chocolate and the occasional mug of "gløgg" without the added spirits (I think this translates to mulled wine).
45LunaticDruid
>43 Darth-Heather: Yeah, big fan of Luggage already :D
46LunaticDruid
Book 14 2017
Sons of Taranis by S.J. A. Turney
Book 8 of the"Marius' Mules" series.
Fronto is retired from the military. Over the last year he has been trading fine wine in the Greek city state of Massilia, but one powerful Greek merchant is doing everything in his power to shut him down. Meanwhile the Roman Legions is sweeping all over Gaul and the Belgae, stomping out the last bit of unrest. Oh, and then it is the “Sons of Taranis”, a small but brutal band of Gauls who will stop at nothing to reach their goals.
Not the best book in the series, but an OK read. I did enjoy Fronto the merchant and would have liked if this had a bigger part to play in the book. I did struggle a bit by the brutality shown by the “Sons of Taranis” as it involves quite a bit of torture. Some parts of their storyline also felt a bit forced, just to bring Fronto into the fight again.
Well, that ends 2017 for me. I’ve read 14 books in total. That is one less than 2016, but I am still satisfied as some of the books I read this year was more demanding than what I usually read.
I will not start a 2018 thread just yet, as I need to get a couple of things done and organized first (I want to make a new ratings graphic for my list). I have just started my first book of 2018 (Grand Conspiracy by Janny Wurts). It will take some time to finish I think. I am also way behind on reading all the topics I starred in 2017. I think I got a couple of thousand posts to get through, really hoping for a healthy dose of friendly Green Dragon banter!
Sons of Taranis by S.J. A. Turney
Book 8 of the"Marius' Mules" series.
Fronto is retired from the military. Over the last year he has been trading fine wine in the Greek city state of Massilia, but one powerful Greek merchant is doing everything in his power to shut him down. Meanwhile the Roman Legions is sweeping all over Gaul and the Belgae, stomping out the last bit of unrest. Oh, and then it is the “Sons of Taranis”, a small but brutal band of Gauls who will stop at nothing to reach their goals.
Not the best book in the series, but an OK read. I did enjoy Fronto the merchant and would have liked if this had a bigger part to play in the book. I did struggle a bit by the brutality shown by the “Sons of Taranis” as it involves quite a bit of torture. Some parts of their storyline also felt a bit forced, just to bring Fronto into the fight again.
Well, that ends 2017 for me. I’ve read 14 books in total. That is one less than 2016, but I am still satisfied as some of the books I read this year was more demanding than what I usually read.
I will not start a 2018 thread just yet, as I need to get a couple of things done and organized first (I want to make a new ratings graphic for my list). I have just started my first book of 2018 (Grand Conspiracy by Janny Wurts). It will take some time to finish I think. I am also way behind on reading all the topics I starred in 2017. I think I got a couple of thousand posts to get through, really hoping for a healthy dose of friendly Green Dragon banter!
