Humouress a decade on in 2020 - thread 3

I'm Nina. I'm from England but living in tropical Singapore surrounded by guys - my husband (who tolerates my reading but is starting to make comments about my book acquisition habits), my two sons and their 3 year old golden retriever, Jasper.

I've introduced my 11 year old to LibraryThing; he's firelion ; sadly, superboy lost the reading habit once he acquired a smartphone. Firelion just got his first smartphone for his birthday so here’s hoping the same thing doesn’t happen to him.

I lean heavily towards fantasy (preferably high) with a smattering of sci-fi (space opera), mysteries (pre-war), young adult and juvenile fiction and school stories - or whatever else catches my fancy at the time. I'm trying to read books off my shelf, since my reading hasn't kept up with my acquisitions (anyone else have that problem?). I try (try) to review and rate all the books I read (which doesn't help my reading speed) and I don't put spoilers in (I hope). If you want to jump to a review, click on the relevant number in my monthly lists (>2 humouress:, >3 humouress: & >4 humouress:).

I tend towards the lighter side of things (hence my screen name) - because if you look at the dark side ... but why would you want to? Life’s hard enough. I tend to lurk more than post on LT, but I'm around, so please don't feel shy about joining me and posting here.

I am still trying to reach that elusive '75 books read in a year' target, for the tenth eleventh year.

75 Book Challenge 2019 thread 1
75 Book Challenge 2019 thread 3

75 Book Challenge 2020 thread 1
75 Book Challenge 2020 thread 2

Green Dragon 2019 thread

ROOTs 2020 thread

So here we are in the second half of this very strange year.

August

59.

July

51.> 50. 49. 48.

September

✔       65) The Book of Swords: part 2 edited by Gardner Dozois (2017)
✔           64) Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis

August

63) Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones (1986)
62) Akarnae by Lynette Noni
61) The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
60) Seraphina
✔       59) The King’s Bastard by Rowena Cory Daniells (2010)
58) Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin (2007)

July

57) The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy (1913)
56) The Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
55) Hamlyn All Colour Cook Book
54) The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury
✔       53) Dr. Thirteenth by Adam Hargreaves (2018)
52) Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (2016)
✔       51) Dr. Eleventh by Adam Hargreaves (2017)
✔       50) Dr. Tenth by Adam Hargreaves (2018)
✔       49) Dr. Ninth by Adam Hargreaves (2017)
✔       48) Firebirds Rising {anthology} edited by Sharyn November (2006)

6

From my first two threads:

(if it's got a tick, I've posted my review to the book's page; stars are self-explanatory; clicking on the number will take you to the post where I've at least put down some ideas; last is the book title. I hope you appreciate the alliteration)

review posted/ rated/ written/ read

✔ / / (#) / Title

May

✔           41) The Phantom's Curse by Shelley Wilson (ARC)
✔       40) The Queen’s Secret by Jessica Day George (2019)
✔       39) Esme’s Wish by Elizabeth Foster (2017)
✔           38) The Queen's Poisoner by Jeff Wheeler (2016)
✔       37) The Village Witch Doctor and Other Stories (1990)
✔   36) Oakleaf Bearers by John Flanagan (2006)
✔           35) The Rose Legacy by Jessica Day George (2018)
✔       34) The Icebound Land by John Flanagan (2005)

April

✔       33) The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan (2005)
✔   32) The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo by Zen Cho (2012)
✔   31) Cabin Pressure; series 1 by John Finnemore (2008)
✔           30) Masks and Shadows by Stephanie Burgis (2016)
✔       29) Lady in Gil by Rebecca Bradley (1996)
✔       28) The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan (2004)
✔       27) Spellswept by Stephanie Burgis (2018)

March

✔       26) Thornbound by Stephanie Burgis (2019)
✔   25) Snowspelled by Stephanie Burgis (2017)
✔   24) Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale (2012)
✔       23) Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (2005)
✔   22) Princess at Sea by Dawn Cook (2006)
✔       21) Nevertheless She Persisted anthology (2020)
✔       20) Decoy Princess by Dawn Cook (2005)

February

✔       19) First Truth by Dawn Cook (2002)
✔       18) Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (2016)
✔           17) Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal (2018)
✔   16) How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason (2019)
✔       15) The Sound of Her Wings by Neil Gaiman et al
✔           14) Sound and Fury by Neil Gaiman et al
✔               13) 24 Hours by Neil Gaiman et al
✔           12) Passengers by Neil Gaiman et al
✔       11) A Hope in Hell by Neil Gaiman et al
✔       10) Dream a Little Dream of Me by Neil Gaiman et al
✔       9) Imperfect Hosts by Neil Gaiman et al
✔       8) Sleep of the Just by Neil Gaiman et al
✔               7) First Earl I See Tonight by Anna Bennet (2018)
✔       6) Forest Born by Shannon Hale (2009)

January

✔       5) The Lost Heir by Tui Sutherland (2012)
✔       4) The Book of Swords. Part 1 edited by Gardner Dozois (2017)
✔           3) The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (2018)
✔           2) Ogre Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (2018)
✔       1) Wings of Fire; the Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland (2012)

8

The constellation:

  You have got to read this one!                          
  Really good; worth reading                                
      Good, but without that special 'something' for me  
       Very nice, but a few issues                                   
           An enjoyable book                                                                        
           Um, okay. Has some redeeming qualities                  
                Writing is hard. I appreciate the work the author did    
               (haven't met one - yet)                                               
                     Dire                                                                            
                     Rated only as a warning. Run away. Don't stop.               

Purple stars, from Robin's thread:

5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5

Robin has made coloured stars for me (happy dance) so I'm back in business. The codes are now enshrined in my profile.

Reading at home :

‘Waiting for the boys to finish classes’ book :

Bedtime reading :Tashi series (yes, still), Robin Hood

Kindle :

Downtime : Skulduggery Pleasant

Overdrive :



Book club Six of Crows (we haven't had a chance to meet & discuss for a while)

online story

Libraries:

   

Reading inspirations

Ongoing series:

The Dark is Rising - Susan Cooper
Chronicles of the Cheysuli - Jennifer Roberson
Chronicles of the Kencyrath - P. C. Hodgell (group read, started January 2018; thread 2)
Tashi - Anna Fienberg
The Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold (2014-2017 group read - savouring it before I run out of these glorious books)
**Farseer (group read starting March 2018)
***The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan (relaxed group read starting January 2019)
{Tor read https://www.tor.com/2018/02/20/reading-the-wheel-of-time-eye-of-the-world-part-1...

Planning to read with the kids:
A Series of Unfortunate Events - Lemony Snickett
Ranger's Apprentice - John Flanagan (group read starting January 2019)

Ooh, what about...

Miss Fisher mysteries
Cinder
Vatta/Honor Harrington
*Ready Player One
Earthsea book 1

Mmm - looks like I need to pick up the pace on some of these.

12

Here's to hoping one of your sons will spring for a fancy-shmancy new laundry basket to make your trips to the washer easier.

Gee, thanks Richard. I'm not sure if that means you forfeit your award for being first to visit me.

Welcome over! (While I ponder on that).

Happy new thread, Nina. If t'other fella has forfeited his prize then surely that puts me in line?!

>15 PaulCranswick: Welcome Paul! Have a prize :0)

Here's a Quarantini!

I found some more Quarantinis. There's enough for everyone; just be aware that the fourth (DJT) and sixth are spoken for.



 

Hi Nina - hope you’re all well? I was looking at your list of fantasy series at the top for some inspiration - I’m very much in the mood for fantasy at the moment - and it reminded me that I read the first book in the Chronicles of the Kencyrath last year and enjoyed it, so I should get around to the second one. I have been reading Vorkosigan books over the last few weeks and have now only got three left: I do want to make them last as it’s one of my all time favourite series.

Happy new thread!

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Nina!

A new thread - woohoo!

>18 SandDune: Hi Rhian! We're all well here thank you.

We've just entered phase 2 so shops and restaurants are open again so my husband has been planning lots of excursions for us.

The boys had a truncated term where they alternated a week at school and a week of home learning. Now they're on holiday again but they say they can't wait to go back - to see their friends.

I'm glad you got some inspiration. I reminded myself, too, that I should get back to some of those series though I'm savouring the Vorkosigan saga too. Now, though, with everything opening up again I think my reading time will be eaten into.

>19 quondame: >20 figsfromthistle: >21 FAMeulstee: >22 Dejah_Thoris: Thank you Susan, Anita, Anita and Dejah!

I'm afraid I've lost track of your threads because I've been spending less time on the LT forums. I'll pop around soon - I promise!

>16 humouress: A bit tough on Richard, I guess, but I'm going to enjoy it virtually anyhow!

Have a great Sunday evening, Nina.

>25 PaulCranswick: We-e-ell; I was feeling a bit guilty so I dropped one off at his place.

Enjoy it! You deserve to.

Happy new thread!

>27 drneutron: Thanks Jim.

48) Firebirds Rising - anthology edited by Sharyn November (2006)



{Second Firebirds anthology of 3. Anthology, fantasy}

Each story is followed by a short biography of the author and an author's note about the inspiration for the story.

1. Huntress - Tamora Pierce
A girl whose family worships the old moon goddess discovers what it’s like to run with the pack.
3***

2. Unwrapping - Nina Kiriki Hoffman
Two teenage girls are dressing for Hallowe’en. One is going as a mummy and the other ... you’ll see.
A story of friendship.

3.75****

3. The real thing - Alison Goodman
A story about the first Chorian to study time-jumping at an Earth university. About perceived class and genetic superiority and exclusiveness.

3.5***

4. Little (Grrl) lost - Charles de Lint

Friends come in all shapes and sizes, even when you think the world is against you.

3.75****

5. I'll give you my word - Diana Wynne Jones

About two brothers, whose parents specialise in Occult Services, and lots of words. I love the author’s note too.
I may be biased but:

5*****

6. In the House of the Seven Librarians - Ellen Klages

A little girl grows up in a library. A sweet story. A love story to libraries and librarians.

5*****

7. Wintermoon Wish - Sharon Shinn

A Christmas story about charity with a touch of romance and hope.

4.5****

8. The wizards of Perfil - Kelly Link

Everyone knows that the wizards buy children. This is what happens to one of them.

A story of magic. And hope.

4.75*****

9. Jack o'Lantern / Patricia A. McKillip

There’s still magic in the world, even when it seems ordinary or constrained.

3.5***

10. Quill - Carol Emshwiller

A story of children growing up in the wild and learning how to survive.

4****

11. Blood roses - Francesca Lia Block

Two sisters like to escape from the real world. Somewhat gothic.

2.5***

12. Hives - Kara Dalkey

Technology can be addictive. But what if mean girls use it for dark purposes?

3.5****

13. Perception - Alan Dean Foster

A young apprentice climbing the company ladder is posted to an alien planet where he has to interact with the less evolved natives.

4****

14. The house on the planet - Tanith Lee

This story focuses on the people who live in a certain house on a newly colonised planet at 3 different times over 100 years.
If Lee writes that longer story, I’ll read it.

5*****

15. Cousins - Pamela Dean

Two siblings are sent to their aunts in the country where the way of life is different from what they are used to.

3.5***

16. What used to be good still is - Emma Bull

When a mine levels a mountain, what happens to that mountain?

4****

Averaging: 3.95 stars

Happy New Thread, Nina! I'll pass on the quarantini--I just made fresh strawberry lemonade with our tree's lemons and the last of some store-bought strawberries and the internet informs me that vodka is the liquor of choice for this. I was thinking of margarita mix, but we'll see. I have both vodka and tequila so might try each and compare them.

Glad to see you liked Dragonsbane in the last thread, my favorite dragon story of all time.

>30 ronincats: Roni, have you read Tea with a Black Dragon? When I first read Dragonsbane my immediate reaction was that the basic story would have worked as a prequel to MacAvoy's book.

>31 quondame: Oh, yes, back when it first came out! And several times since then. Another favorite, but I've never thought to put the two together that way.

>30 ronincats: Thanks Roni and welcome over.

I’d be happy to taste test for you. Since it’s a virtual bar and I’m not driving I can mix and match my alcohol.

>31 quondame: >32 ronincats: Well, it’s a good thing I bought Tea with the Black Dragon recently then, isn’t it? Another I’ll have to get to soon.

>34 humouress: It's a bit dated technology-wise, but still a lovely tale.

>34 humouress: >35 ronincats: I also got her Damiano trilogy but the first book was going a bit slowly for me so I’ve put it aside for now. Should I read those first?

They have nothing to do with each other and I found the Damiano trilogy unrelentingly depressing. Go for Tea with the Black Dragon.

>37 ronincats: Well, Damiano didn't seem that grim to me, though deeply sad in parts. It is for sure no romp, but then there is grimness in Tea with the Black Dragon. It was so novel at the time that it wasn't until the grimmer Twisting the Rope came out that the darkness was clarified.

>37 ronincats: Oh; I saw something yesterday that indicated they’re connected.

>38 quondame: I suppose I’ll have to get that one too, now. Such a hard life.

>38 quondame: I read the Damiano trilogy as the books first came out, Susan, which was so long ago that I no longer remember any details other than the emotional impact it had on me. Yeah, Twisting the Rope is definitely grimmer.

>40 ronincats: All of those first books came out so quickly that I can't remember if I read them as they came out or had the 3 Damiano books in hand when I started. I was running the LASFS library and going to WorldCons and local Cons during the early 80s, so I was pretty on top of releases - especially if for women authors I had already enjoyed.

For the July Juveniles group read (and because it helps to push up my numbers); all re-reads, reviews from March 2019

49) Dr. Ninth originated by Roger Hargreaves

{Ninth of 13 : Dr. Who/ Mr. Men series. Children's. Retro}

 

The Doctor meets Rose while shopping for a hat (where he sees a familiar looking hat and long scarf)- but then they’re accosted by Autons and they have to rescue Jack Harkness from them, too. Rose gets to see the inside of the TARDIS and is amazed.

3.5 stars

50) Dr. Tenth originated by Roger Hargreaves

{Tenth of 13 : Dr. Who/ Mr. Men series. Children's. Retro}

 

Dr. Who is trying to take a well-deserved holiday on an alien planet when a spaceship lands on it because the Sontarans have decided to invade. So he tries to convince General Staal that he is not an enemy and all he wants is for the Sontarans to leave so that he can have some peace and quiet - but the General doesn't believe him.

4 stars

51) Dr. Eleventh originated by Roger Hargreaves

{Eleventh of 13 : Dr. Who/ Mr. Men series. Children's. Retro}

 

The Doctor and River Song have just spent a very busy day avoiding danger from all quarters. Unfortunately, the Doctor has left something vitally important behind - but he can’t remember when or where he left it or what, in fact, it is. They do have a time machine though, so they go back and retrace their steps through all the dangers.

4 stars

>42 humouress: I haven't read as many juvenile books this year. I think my numbers would be higher if public libraries had been open though.

>43 thornton37814: If you're referring to the Dr. Who books, they're short and sweet. If you mean my general reading, I do read more YA because I'm not a fan of grim-dark and I like my happily-ever-after endings and just a touch of romance. Plus, I still read to the kids ... occasionally; and sometimes (as above) borrow from them.

Do you use Overdrive much? I've been borrowing a lot of e-books from libraries, in spite of the fact that I've got a lot of books on my own shelves to be read.

>42 humouress: *chuckle* that fez!

Happy Sunday, and for goodness' sake turn down the heat!

>44 humouress: I use Overdrive a lot, but I checked out a bunch of print books the last day I worked in the library a couple weeks ago. It's been nice to have off-screen time with them. I'm sure I'll get back to my Overdrive selections--in fact, I probably have a hold about due to come in--but I'm enjoying the ones I'm reading now. I'll probably have 6 of the 8 finished by the end of the weekend--and maybe all 8 by the end of next week--so I suspect I may take them back and get some others to tide me over until I begin the 2020-21 year.

52) Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (2016)

The Twenty Year Truce of the Witchlands is coming to an end and the different empires and countries are jostling for position.

Safi and Iseult are Threadsisters make a living in Veñaza City. Iseult, a Nomatsi whom people are suspicious of, is a Threadwitch which means she can see peoples emotions by the colours of their threads but Safi, a Cartorran domna, is a Truthwitch which means she can tell when people are lying. This makes her magic a valuable commodity and rulers would do anything to control it so she has to keep her magic hidden, especially as there are no other known Truthwitches.

As the story opens, the girls tangle with a Bloodwitch (also the only known of his type - but whose magic is immediately identifiable) who is then able to track them by their scent. In trying to get away from him they have to leave their lives in Veñaza behind but then they get embroiled in politics thanks to Safi's rank. Some people in power are trying to extend the Truce but others are eager to see war recommence.

I'm still a bit confused about the magic in this world and whether everyone has some power or only some people and I also got a bit lost with the concept of Thread families and Heart threads although I think I got the hang of it in the end. I'm usually a proponent of 'show, don't tell' but I could have done with a bit more explanation. I am intrigued by the history of the war and the origin wells which were hinted at; hopefully they will be explained further in the following books.

I found the story enjoyable but a bit bumpy, especially at the beginning when I was a bit lost trying to sort out magic and threads, but it mostly smoothed out towards the end. I will keep reading because I'm curious about the backstory. I'm not sure, though, why Safi's magic should make her a target for the power-hungry especially when a lot of the other magical talents are more destructive or helpful.

3.5***

>45 richardderus: Jealous are you?

Heat-wise, the heavy rains seemed to have tapered off so we don't have the fluctuations between cool and overcast and hot and steamy. I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

>46 thornton37814: We've all been using electronics a lot more than we should and though I despair of the boys constant use (more than one on the go at a time, usually), I'm letting it slide in the current situation.

I really should be reading off my own shelves a lot more. Mind you, I'm not a huge fan of the physical libraries here; I hate the way they lump all the fiction into one section and all the Mcs and Macs at the beginning of the Ms and they only sort (everything else) by the first three letters of the authors' names. I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent selection of books that I like in the local library's Overdrive offerings but I can also choose from the overseas libraries where I have memberships.

Aww, I loved David Tennant as the doctor. Rose not so much.

I've been impressed at how much is available on our library's e borrowing, given how many more people I think must be using them.

>49 humouress: I grew up with a "combined" fiction section so I guess I got used to it. I do like being able to go to one section to find mysteries now. Of course the books I currently have are from an academic library. The books currently on the lease program are all together, but we have at least 150 and never more than 200 at a time. Older books are in the stacks. We don't differentiate by genre, but they are differentiated by American, British, (or other nationality), and by author's time period because of the classification scheme.

>50 charl08: David Tennant was one of my favourite Doctors, too - not that I'm a huge Whovian.

What was wrong with Rose? :0)

>51 thornton37814: Well, so did I; I suppose I'm a bit spoiled now. On the other hand, they did shelve books alphabetically by author in those days too.

The libraries here use the coloured strips system (and sometimes mix up their colours) but they only go by the first three letters rather than the first four letters that I've seen in other libraries and they seem to shove it in any available space in the section. So if I'm looking for Anne McCaffrey's 'Pern' books, I could find one sandwiched between McNally and Macauley and another one three bookcases away between MacIntosh and McGuire.

Anyway. It's a long-standing rant of mine - sorry.

53) Dr. Thirteenth (2018)

 

{Thirteenth of 13 : Dr. Who/ Mr. Men series. Children's. Retro}

Yaz’s friends decide to hold a surprise birthday party for her and the Doctor is elected to get everything so she hops in the Tardis to get supplies.

Um ... Doctor, are you quite sure that one is a good idea?...

3.5 stars

OMG!!! What is it with scammers? They seem to have spent the isolation period cooking up new scams or proliferating old ones.

A few weeks ago my friend (who's usually reliable) sent me a WhatsApp message about a puppy breeder in Singapore closing down who needed homes for their dogs or they would have to put them down. So I sent it on to as many groups as I could but apparently the breeder and the good Samaritan whose number was given were uncontactable.

There's one that I get periodically about a DHL parcel but it's a recorded message in Chinese, so I know to ignore that.

And this morning someone called supposedly because someone was piggybacking on our wifi and carrying out illegal activities. But I saw the number before someone else at home picked up the call and it was not a local number. And when I handed it on to my husband and he asked why the wrong provider was calling us, first they tried to insist that they had given the right name and then, when he asked for contact details, they very quickly disappeared.

I had a look online and this is a scam where they (eventually) ask for bank details or ask you to install a program which can access your bank details.

I do not understand this need to hurt other people especially if you don't know them and they've done nothing to you.

55) Hamlyn All Colour Cook Book by Mary Berry, Ann Body and Audrey Ellis

This is a cook book that my mum had when we were growing up and I snaffled it when I got married; I am currently copying the ingredients into an app for easy reference. There are four recipes to a double page, each with a large photo of the completed dish and a 'quick tip' with suggestions. The recipes are not too complicated (being aimed at the 1970s busy working woman) and are easy to follow.

There are three contributors to the book who each have chapters covering different types of foods (Mary Berry has 'main meals to cook ahead' and 'favourite family cakes', for instance). While Mary Berry tends to stick to traditional foods (roasts, stews and so on) Ann Boyd uses ready-to-go ingredients such as tinned blackcurrant pie filling; her recipes are more simplistic but have dated somewhat especially as the ingredients lists occasionally use what seem to be branded ingredients which are now unfamiliar.

.... still reading/ transposing ...

54) The Mystwick School of Musicraft

>56 humouress: My first encounter with Queen Mother Mary was a cookbook of hers reduced to 50¢ because metric outside the Strand in one or another of the 80s. I made Queen of Puddings and damn near plotzed! So. Delicious.

Then GBBO came to the Colonies, and the love affair was rekindled. She delights me with her kind, yet sharp, assessments of others, and her capacity to enjoy Victoria sandwich after eating the goddesses only know how many slices in her five hundred years.

So roast on, La Overkill, and stew away, and be grateful that the Queen (the real one, not Betty Windsor) is there to guide your faltering steps.

>55 humouress: We've been getting a lot of the phone ones, I've been looking at various blocker devices. I don't understand why (well, I do, $$$$, but still) the telecom companies can't shut these people down more effectively.

>55 humouress: We don't have a landline so I only get scam calls on my cell, and my phone has a handy trick of labeling the scammers as "Scam Likely" in the caller ID, which is a nice little touch. My old Google Pixel phone had a cool feature where you could have a Google robot answer the phone for you while it showed you a transcript of what was being said in the call so you could tell pretty quickly whether it was a scam call or something legitimate without actually trying to talk to a scammer.

>57 humouress: Ooh, looking forward to your review of this one!

Happy new-ish thread! I am still trying to catch up with everyone.

>58 richardderus: Thank you Richard.

I'm converting to metric as I transfer recipes (a slow process with the aim of eventually being able to find recipes to use up short-lived exotic ingredients/ manage menus and shopping lists).

I shall attempt the Queen of Puddings since you recommend it so highly; I don't think I've ever come across it except in recipe books.

What makes you think my steps are faltering? Huh.

>59 charl08: Apparently everyone knows about these scams (except me) so they should be able to shut them down.

*mutters imprecations*

>60 curioussquared: Ooh - I want those features.

Darn; I forgot to rate it when it was still fresh in my memory again. I did make some Litsy notes I think. I hope.

I suspect the book bullet came from your direction.

>61 foggidawn: Thanks foggi!

Wishes are always welcome, no matter when. I know that 'catching up' feeling; I've been lurking more than posting on LT but I'm also on LT in my other disguises working on a few projects. One of which is trying to catalogue my kids' video games for much the same reason I catalogue books - to keep track of them and to try to avoid buying duplicates. But I'm braving somewhat uncharted (or barely charted) waters there so it's hard going.

I'm taking advantage of the free lifetime membership to create an account with literature award winners. (I'm sure it's been done more efficiently elsewhere).

I thought it would be helpful to have them all in one searchable spot. It's a lot of cut and paste and edit (adding star ratings per LT and trying to find era appropriate covers), so it's taking longer than it seems that it would. I suspect this will be a long term, long running project.

So far, I've finished Newbery medals and honours upto 2020 and Carnegie medals (I couldn't find a cohesive honours list) to 2020.

>65 Awards-and-Medals: Is this one of your other projects, Nina?

Yes. I’m in disguise 🤫 😉

>67 humouress: Are you going to add any of the genre awards?

>65 Awards-and-Medals: Interesting idea, Nina.

>68 quondame: If you have suggestions, I'll add them. There are so many out there ... I should have looked into that before starting :0)

I'm planning on the Kate Greenaway awards next, since I'm in the CLIP site for the Carnegies and then maybe Pulitzers. And then?....

>69 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. I'm sure you can come up with a few ideas for awards to include.

>70 humouress: The Hugos, The Nebulas, The World Fantasy Awards are the ones I've paid attention to. I know mystery and romance and historical all have their own sets of awards, though I stick with old favorites until someone drags something new and shiny across my path.

>70 humouress: If you were mainly thinking about books for YA - I like the William C Morris award. This is for first time authors writing for a YA audience.
5 Books are shortlisted and so over the last 12 years we have gotten 60 books to choose from and some good ones amongst them for sure.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_C._Morris_Award

>70 humouress: Silver dagger are interesting for crime fiction. And the Walter Scott for historical fiction.

I was listening to a publisher talk (about translating a French book) and they commented that there are a lot of French lit prizes. Exploring non-English ones might be fun.

I had no idea you were (falteringly) writing under the pseudonym "Laura Lippman", Nina. Your latest gave you away: My Life as a Villainess. Unsubtle of you, I venture to remark.

>72 quondame: >73 PaulCranswick: >74 charl08: Gosh - so many good ideas. If anyone is willing to help catalogue, please drop me a message.

>75 richardderus: Oh, woe! I am discoveréd.

Oops

>75 richardderus: richardderus: Oh, woe! I am discoveréd.

Review from March 2013:

56)

6) Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher



It's been a couple of weeks since I read this book, so this is just a brief review. Butcher also wrote the 'Dresden Files', which I haven't read, but I've seen a couple of the TV programmes.

This is the first book in the Alera Codex, where the Calderon Valley is the northernmost part of the realm of Alera (which seems to be designed along Roman lines), and the first defense against the alien Marat hordes which, from time to time, try to invade through the only break in the mountain wall. All human adults are bonded with one or more furies, which are elementals of air, water, fire, earth, wood or metal, and allow their humans to influence their surroundings. We are not told, initially, but they confer other powers, too. For instance, those bonded with fire can affect emotions, those with earth have superhuman strength, and those bonded with water furies are able to heal (though that connection was a bit tenuous for me)

Tavi, a fifteen year old boy, is the only human known who has not bonded on maturity with a fury, however weak, and he is considered a cripple of sorts, as he therefore cannot 'furycraft'. However, he has courage aplenty, and, in spite of (or because of) his weakness, turns out to be a hero.

I really liked this story; the action is fast-paced, and engaging. We also see affairs from other people's points of view, not just Tavi's; we see sorceror's and politicians, and the in-fighting of those who would be emperor, or believe they are saving the empire, and get a well-rounded view of the Aleran world. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

A bit of a quiet August around here, Nina?

I am up early after sleeping at 10pm!

>65 Awards-and-Medals: This is really cool, Nina! 😁

>80 PaulCranswick: Somewhat, Paul. I’ve started too many projects and am wondering which to continue with next :0)

I think I’ve mentioned that I got new bookshelves put in; well the old ones, which my husband designed as a sliding/ rolling system to reveal shelves behind, needed mending so I took the opportunity to empty the shelves so I can reorganise my books to use the new shelves too. Currently the study is sort of in limbo while it gets sorted out and I’ve got spoiled using the desktop computer to work on rather than my tablet so I’m on a bit of a go-slow until I can get back to my desk again.

Plus I’ve discovered that I’ve requested a lot of books on Overdrive (including one 3-book set) and though I’ve extended some of my holds, I don’t want to lose the books so I’m catching up on my reading.

Happy national day; Malaysia’s is just around the corner isn’t it? I hope you’re managing to celebrate despite the circumstances.

>81 Ape: Thanks Stephen! I suspect I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, though.

58) Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin



I don’t remember borrowing this one; it may have been when I was browsing on Overdrive and none of the books I wanted were immediately available.

In the city of Mermeia which is filled with magic users, Raine Benares is a passable elven sorceress and makes her living as a seeker - sometimes legally and sometimes not. One night while looking out for her friend she acquires a certain magical artefact in the shape of a silver medallion, which complicates her life somewhat as other people want it and she can’t remove it from around her neck. Consequently she meets goblins and elves who want the medallion, some of whom even want to help her.

I thought this was a decent enough story but - especially in the first couple of chapters - the language was a bit awkward and kept snagging my focus as did certain phrases which kept cropping up throughout the book. I found it ... interesting... that Raine was essentially the only female character in the book (except for a couple of elderly ladies mentioned almost in passing) and all the guys - even the bad guys - were gorgeous (except possibly the henchmen who didn’t rate a mention on their looks). Despite its faults (which were confusing rather than throw-across-the-room annoying) the story was entertaining enough to keep me reading to the end.

3***

59) The King’s Bastard

 

{First of 5: King Rolen's Kin series. Fantasy} (2010)

Notes: I read this before but didn’t get to finish the series so I’ve been looking out for it on Overdrive since. Good first(?) effort although sentences are a bit staccato so the story doesn’t pull you in as much as it could. Premise is based on an absentee relative coming home and then the royal family start distrusting each other. A lot of events are brought about by lack of communication through missed opportunities or ‘this person isn’t allowed to know because they’re not in the war circle’ which is frustrating to the reader on the sidelines. Although they finally to get spoken, it may be too late.

King Rolen rules Rolencia (as with many historic dynasties they’re not very imaginative with names). Told in third person from POVs of three of of his children who receive prophecies from a rogue seer. Lence, the kingsheir, does not get a prophecy nor do we see his POV.

There is a power, called Affinity, which seeps up from the ground or can build in some people who have Affinity. The king lost his father and older brother to rogue power workers in battle and has since decreed that all persons showing power should go to the abbeys or be banished. There are some god-touched species of beasts that are attracted to Affinity.

The ending was a bit rushed and confusing; people died, disappeared or switched allegiance at the last minute. And I’m on the fence as to whether family loyalties can be divided so easily or so fast. She makes a plausible case for the sequence of events - but ...

3.5****

Review from 2013:

King Rolen has held the throne of Rolencia through thirty years of hard-won peace, having inherited it after the Affinity-caused deaths of his father and brother. Consequently untamed Affinity is considered dangerous, and anyone with Affinity (read magic) must become a monk or nun, or be banished from the kingdom.

Rolen has four children; twenty year old twins, Lence Kingsheir and Byren Kingson, seventeen year old Fyn Kingson, who has been sent to the monastery, as he has some Affinity, and thirteen year old Piro, the only girl. A seer, a renegade Power worker, appears to them in turn, foretelling doom ... but in the face of their disbelief, doesn't complete her prophesies. As each struggles with their own internal conflict, the political machinations of a kingdom makes itself felt on each of their lives.

Into this mix comes their cousin Illien, son of the king's bastard half-brother

I found this book a little uneven. While the set-up was interesting, and the action at the end was gripping, there could have been fewer events trying to catch our attention in the middle. It could have used a little more polish in a few places, and more attention to detail. I also found it unlikely that someone they barely knew could make the family members - especially the twins - distrust each other so completely.

But I did enjoy it; though it is almost 650 pages, it was quite easy to read. I'd be interested in finding out what happens next.

I'm still here; I'm doing a bit more tidying up in the study so my computer has been in limbo and anyhow, I don't seem to be feeling like saying much these days. Just a sign of the times, maybe. Reading has also slowed down, partly because all my books have been piled in the guest room so we could get the bookshelves fixed. I went to look for a book to fit my TIOLI challenge for the August gemstone peridot but I could only check the top two or three books in any pile or risk the whole lot crashing to the floor.

Meanwhile, although the macaw next door has stopped singing 'Happy Birthday' at every thunderstorm (or has been moved to a part of their house where I can hear less of him) the songbird sings what sounds like the beginning of the Pointer Sisters' 'Jump' (which is fine) and their cockerel has the intro to Shirley Bassey's 'Goldfinger' (also not too bad). Unfortunately he does start practicing at around 3.30am.

60) Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (2012)

 

Seraphina has a secret so dangerous that even she did not know it at first. Her mother died when she was born so she lives in Lavondaville, the capital of Goredd, with her father who is a lawyer for the royal court and represents those dragons who choose to live as humans, called sarrantras. The twenty year truce between humans and dragons is about to be celebrated but suddenly Prince Rupert is assassinated and the obvious suspect is dragon-kind.

Although her father doesnt like to hear her play music, Seraphina has learned and now has a position at court as assistant to the music master. While helping him make arrangements for the concerts and teaching the princess to play the spinet, Seraphina - because of her sympathy for dragons - finds herself helping to unravel the mystery behind Prince Rupert's death before an interspecies war can erupt.

Hartman uses language well and in unanticipated ways. She has filled Seraphina's world with medieval clothes and instruments; which, because I was reading this book through Overdrive, I could look up quickly on the web. Though I did know a lot of them already, so there.

4.5*****

>87 humouress: That sound like my sort of read!

>88 quondame: I hope you enjoy it :0)

I’m reading The House in the Cerulean Sea following enthusiastic recommendations on LT and a wait for my hold on Overdrive to come through.

Theodore reminds me of Jasper, what with his tendency to gnaw and spinning excitedly in circles.



Lucy and my eleven year old share a similar sense of ... let’s call it humour although (thankfully) my son’s isn’t as gothic. One evening at the dinner table when he was about 8 years old, apropos of nothing, he suddenly started a conversation with ‘When you die and I get the house ...’ thus dispatching in less than a breath both parents and (giving him the benefit of the doubt) dismissing his beloved brother.

wyvern

The cover is deceptive though, with the island standing out against a gorgeous aqua sunset sky; but it is the sea that is cerulean, which is a deep blue.

Hope you have had a good weekend, neighbour. xx

>91 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul; and you too.

My study is now heading back to normal and I did sit down to start catching up on LT threads but my feet were being bitten by an especially itchy mosquito so I had to evacuate in a hurry. I’ll try again tomorrow to do the rounds.

>90 humouress: further notes:

I’m about 2/3rds of the way through The House in the Cerulean Sea and am inclined to rate it 3.5 stars at this point. I am enjoying the story but it has an underlying message of acceptance of minorities which tends to poke up through the surface from time to time. I’m heroically ignoring it so I can focus on the story.

It also sometimes emphasises the sentimentality at which point my cynical heart quirks an eyebrow. (What can I say? I'm British. Anytime things get schmaltzy it makes me feel awkward.)

And although the children are aged between 6 years and teenaged as well as a juvenile 263 year old gnome, they all behave the same age (and discuss philosophers) though, of course, they arent human so maybe that’s an excuse. I can’t really tell the difference between Talia and Phee (the only two girls of the orphans) who have similar magical talents. I think my favourite is Theodore.

61) The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune (2020)

What a gorgeous cover and title! I heard good things about this book on LT and I had to wait until it came in on Overdrive to read it.

Set on a parallel Earth about four decades ago the story is about Linus Baker, a case worker for the Department In Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY) where he goes out into the field to inspect and report on orphanages for children of non-human species. Those of magical origin (sprites, gnomes etc) have to be registered, for unspecified reasons, and are viewed with suspicion by other humans; possibly as a result of this, many species (such as wyverns) seem to be dying out.

Linus is a conscientious case worker who cares for the children he represents but is able to keep his perspective and distance from them. He lives by himself, apart from Calliope - a cat who has adopted him, in an unnamed city where it is perpetually raining (though he always forgets his umbrella) and spends his evenings listening to old vinyl records. One day, because of his impartial objectivity, he is called in by Extremely Upper Management for a special field assignment which sees him sent to Marsyas Island to evaluate the orphanage there and its master, Arthur Parnassus. As he travels there on the train, the clouds finally lift and he smells and sees the ocean for the first time in his life at the end of his journey.

The six children at Marsyas are classified level 4 (the most dangerous) and the first case file that Linus opens, about a boy named Lucy, shocks him so much that he faints. When he comes around he decides not to read any more so when he meets the children he doesn't know what they can do except for that first child and his preconceptions about Lucy initially make him terrified of him. However, he soon comes to see and appreciate all the children for who they are and becomes quite protective of them, even standing up to inhabitants of the nearby mainland village for them.

My favourite was Theodore:

Theodore took his exaggerated steps toward them, head cocked to the side. When he stood at their feet, he looked up at Mr. Parnassus, chirped, and spread his wings.
“Yes, yes,” Mr. Parnassus said, leaning down to run a finger along his snout. “Very impressive. I’m proud of you, Theodore.”
He folded his wings again, then looked up at Linus before leaning down and biting gently on the tip of one of his loafers.
Mr. Parnassus looked at him expectantly.
Linus wasn’t sure what for.
“He’s saying thank you for the button.”
Linus would prefer not being gnawed on to show gratitude, but it was already too late for that. “Oh. Well. You’re … welcome?”

There is a romantic attraction but, while I wanted Linus to find his happiness, it read more as an attraction than a romance to me, nice as it was that it was requited.

I enjoyed the story but I do have some minor quibbles. I felt the message was, at times, a bit unsubtle and the sentimentality was occasionally a bit heavy. The children, although aged between six and two hundred and sixty three behaved more like adults - I mean what kid would say 'Kiss him already' rather than 'Ew! Ick! Gross!!' ? - (although I'm judging them by human standards I suppose) and the two girls were indistinguishable for me (although we don't really spend enough time with them for me to feel the need to untangle them).

So Linus's story and those of the Marsyas Island folk were resolved, but what of all those other cases that Linus handled and passed on, having made his recommendations? What happened to those children in such a skewed system? That was addressed too, but it was a bit vague and the phrase 'change takes time' was used several times which indicates that nothing major changed immediately. Myself, I'm concerned about the at least four species where we met individuals who seem to be the last or only one of their kind.

On the nostalgic side, there are lots of golden oldies lyrics to sing along to which I, at least, am young enough to recognise but the song I find myself singing most often in relation to this book is ‘Oh, I’m going to Barbados. Oh, in the blue Caribbean Sea...’

3.5****

Hi Anita!

That is all.

>87 humouress: Darn it; my library e-book loan expired at 18:20, right in the middle of me editing my review. :0/

>96 humouress: That is such an unnecessary pain. I do wish they'd normalize checkouts to be over at midnight rather than being fussy about checkout time. It's the same for holds and I've lost a couple because they round up on number of days, sometimes by 23 hours I think.

>94 humouress: I'm glad you enjoyed it overall! I can definitely see where you're coming from with the unsubtleness of the message, but I must have needed it because it didn't bother me :)

>96 humouress: I share your pain, Marguerite. It never fails to irk me how literal the computer-determined end times are...at midnight on the fourteenth day will change nothing for the library, a lot for the user.

>95 richardderus: Who is calling???

>97 quondame: >99 richardderus: Thank you for the empathy. I can borrow it again but I'll have to wait in line plus I don't want to hold it up if it's so popular.

>98 curioussquared: I wasn't so much bothered by it as I noticed it (and I'm usually pretty oblivious) so it just interrupted the flow of the story slightly.

Okay ... I've edited my review to say 'minor quibbles'.

But, yes, I enjoyed it overall.

>99 richardderus: Marguerite now?!

>100 FAMeulstee: I think, Anita, that the lockdown is getting to Richard and we must make allowances. ;0)

62) Akarnae by Lynette Noni

Alexandra Jennings has grown up following her parents around the world on their expeditions. Now, at 16 years old, they are going on an expedition where she can't go with them and where they will be out of reach of communications until they return. And so Alex is sent off to boarding school, which looks like it will be a miserable experience until she steps through a doorway and finds herself on a parallel Earth called Medora (and which names our Earth 'Freya'). She finds herself at a school for the gifted - children with powers - although her new best friends claim that there is no magic in their world but they are just much more technologically advanced than us.

Nevertheless, there are potions and transport spells although these are attributed to chemistry by the Medorans. The story owes a lot to the Harry Potter books, as well as Narnia and possibly The Dragonbone Chair, especially when Alex spends a Christmas-like holiday with both her friends, Bear and Jordan, at Bear's home with his family, the Ronnigans, who are remarkably like Ron Weasley's family although the house isn't quite so idiosyncratic.

The story comes into its own towards the end when it creates its own storyline - and, yes, there is a bad guy but he isn't Voldemort (or at least not yet) and I would like to continue following Alex's adventures in Medora.

3.5****

63) Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones

This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it more this time, I think, even though I gave it 5 stars last time around. Last time, I knew the book has a fan following and it uses a lot of familiar fairytale tropes so I thought I knew where it was heading but it always confounded me. This time, while I couldn't remember the story, I knew that it wouldn't follow my expectations and so I didn't have any.

My Harper Voyager edition has an interview with Wynne Jones at the end about the inspirations for this (and other) books which was very funny - because I can empathise. She based Howl who has all kinds of cosmetics and scents, for instance, on one of her sons who would annoy her by taking forever in the bathroom.

5*****

My review from 10th November 2011:

In the fairy-tale land of Ingary, Sophie Hatter is the eldest of three sisters, and thus doomed (so she feels) to fail the worst if they set out to seek their fortunes; so she decides, instead, to be responsible for looking after her sisters. Unfortunately, she falls under a curse cast by the Witch of the Waste, so she leaves home to find a cure. She meets Howl's moving castle (which is also trying to avoid meeting the Witch) as she is crossing the moors, and stays on to look after the housekeeping, in return for the chance to have the spell removed.

This is a fun YA read, with lots of unexpected twists and turns to the tale, and mixed up characters who have been cursed by the Witch. And Sophie finds that her sisters, whom she tries to protect from the wizard Howl, are not the only ones who need saving...

Wow, so many good reads in here. I'm jealous. I really need to work hard on more self-care (i.e. reading).

>106 The_Hibernator: I think you should, Rachel ;0)

I do it by abandoning everyone else to their own devices :0) but I think you might find that difficult to do.

Hi there Graciela! Or...wait...oh, it's so hard to remember names when one doesn't see their possessor but once or twice a year...no, it's Ani...Nina! Yes, that's got to be it.

Anyway, isn't Howl's Moving Castle a delight? I want to get your edition and read that interview. Funny about her bathroom-hogging kid!

>105 humouress: I'm a sucker for any and all DWJ. I have two books of hers I haven't read yet and I think I might be hoarding them because once I get through them, there won't be any more DWJ to read! (They are Power of Three and A Sudden Wild Magic.)

Have you seen the Miyazaki movie adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle? It's very different, but gorgeous in its own right.

>105 humouress: >109 curioussquared: I was troubled by the overt violence in Miyazaki's adaption, but it is magical. My favorite Miyazaki is Kiki's Delivery Service. It shows that very little conflict is required to carry a good film.

>110 quondame: Yes, the violence/air fighting was the addition that never really worked for me in the movie. I love Kiki and dressed up as her for my work Halloween party last year :) My other favorite Miyazakis are My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. I enjoyed most of his others, too, but these four are the ones I come back to.

>111 curioussquared: Here's a picture of my daughter Becky dressed as the witch Kiki meets on her way to the ocean:



Strangely the dress is based on 16th century Greenland finds.

There is a black cat in this picture!

>112 quondame: Love it! I don't think I have any pics of my Kiki costume, but it was pretty simple - black dress, red bow headband, fake little broom, and I think the same black cat plushie!

>108 richardderus: I can't claim the same for you since your thread moves so fast I can't keep up. So it's your fault, really Richard.

Howl's Moving Castle is a delight; I was planning to edit my review to say exactly that.

>109 curioussquared: I've just managed to get the last book (which is the first book chronologically) to complete my Chrestomanci Chronicles on my last visit to the bookshop - and bookshop visits are necessarily fewer and farther between now.

The film has been on TV a few times but I've never managed to catch the whole thing in one go. It does look good though and I know it has a fan following in its own right.

>110 quondame: >111 curioussquared: There is also another interview at the back of my edition with Dianna Wynne Jones about the film adaptation. She does say that the flying scenes were something that Miyazaki wanted to put in and commented that they both lived through WWII and had opposite approaches to fighting scenes. But she was involved in the film and she does seem to have liked it.

>111 curioussquared: >112 quondame: >113 curioussquared: It looks like I'll have to watch some Miyazaki films. Kinokuniya did have a Studio Ghibli table the last time I was there but I didn't do more than glance at it since I'm not very familiar with their work.

I see the cat (now)!

ETA: >112 quondame: Unfortunately I can't comment on the costume, other than say that your daughter looks very nice, since I haven't seen the film.

>116 humouress: It's a wonderful movie and there is certainly the potential for conflict in the original and you can't really show potential in a film.

>117 quondame: I will definitely look out for it and watch it when it next comes along. And try and catch the whole thing from the beginning this time.

64) Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis

{Fourth of 4; Harwood Spellbook series; fantasy, short story}

Moontangled is the latest in the Harwood Spellbook series and focuses on the engagement of Caroline Fennel and Julianna ...

All politicians of Angland are female with the Bouddicate being the equivalent of the parliament and the highest post a politician can aspire to. But to be considered, a politician must be married to a powerful magician and, up until the events of the first book in the series, all magicians are male. Tanglewood is the first school for female magicians and the story occurs on the night of the ball held by the school to show off the achievements of its first batch of students.

Julianna is eagerly awaiting the guests because her secret fiancée, Caroline, will also be there; secret because they are biding their time until Julianna can prove that she is a powerful magician and Caroline's political career has advanced further. But Caroline has a bombshell for her.

....

3-3.5***

>119 humouress: Ooh, hadn't seen that. Must immediately go check it out.

>105 humouress: I really need to read this series! I greatly enjoyed the Derkholm books when I read them... *checks calendar* 11 years ago....

>107 humouress: Yes, abandoning a toddler to his own devices is a bit too much. This morning and last night I've been working on my calendar, planning out the next week. I'm going to depend upon dad to do an hour of babysitting each day so that I can get in some reading. Hopefully I'll be able to get a walk in most of the time as well (in the morning before everyone gets up). Though it'll get cold soon and I will be unable to walk as well.

See that you are up and about in the wee small hours of the morning as am I. What is it with the tropics and insomnia?

>119 humouress: Thanks for reminding me I need to continue with this series! They're so fun.

The tropics breed insomnia because humans aren't meant to live in moist, overheated climes with trillions of bacteria, insects, venomous reptiles, poisonous plants, and virulent viruses. It's your body's way of saying "faGawdsake get the hell up and form a defensive perimeter, douse yourself in initials-only compounds, and fight back the creeping green villains so you can get the hell outta there!"

Or so leading scientists have reported.

>125 richardderus: That provides plenty of restful comfort, RD, thank you for that soothing riposte.

Nina, I just finished a fun children's book, Lizard's Tale by Weng Wai Chan that is set in 1940s Singapore. Not sure if it would suit your youngest but bringing it to your attention for the historical Singapore setting.
...and Patrick Ness's latest, Burn, has dragons.

>126 PaulCranswick: One day, I will cause to be erected a Cathedral to Saint Carrier and Saint Lennox, the dual patron saints of breatheable air; and a side chapel dedicated to the eternal revilement, torment, and damnation of the demon Thomas Midgely, Junior no less, the inventor of tetraethyl lead AND Freon, who sped up the end of the party by at least a generation.

Happy birthday LibraryThing!

And it looks like I missed my 12th Thingaversary, which was 2nd August - but I'm sure I'll make up for that. We're going to risk a dental check up next week and Books Kinokuniya just happens to be in the same building.

Thank you everyone for keeping my thread warm, especially Richard and Paul who seem to be having their own party (carry on, boys, I'm enjoying being in the audience) and my apologies for being AWOL from my own thread. I seem to be going slow in general on what little social media I use. I have, however, got my act together and dusted and polished my bookshelves now that we managed to get an electrician in to put in new dehumidifiers (more joys of living in the tropics) so now I'll get a chance to go through my books and reorganise them - so I may be away from Talk for a bit more.

>120 ronincats: >121 Ape: >124 curioussquared:

I think we can count those as book bullets, thank you.

>122 The_Hibernator: Well, if you abandoned your toddler, you'd get interesting results. :0) Better not, I agree.

Walking ... that's something else I haven't been doing enough of.

>123 PaulCranswick: Because there's no dire need to cuddle down under a warm duvet once the sun goes down?

>125 richardderus: But not as much, you notice, of The Virus (touch wood).

>126 PaulCranswick: Ain't he just a sweetie?

>128 richardderus: And when you do, I will contribute. (ETA although I feel a bit uneasy about eternal torment and damnation)

>127 avatiakh: Nice to see you Kerry. Thanks for dropping by. That does look like an interesting book; I'll look out for it on our book raid.

Ooh - dragons!

But Nina! Eternal torment and damnation for the vile evil rotter who invented FREON! The worst ozone-holing stuff *ever*? Seems quite condign to me.

>134 richardderus: You may have a point. I'll consider it, Mr. Meldrew.

>129 humouress: Hope you get a chance to celebrate your litsyversary, Nina. 12+1?

>136 charl08: Thanks Charlotte; we’re planning to go to the bookshop tomorrow. Yes, it should be 12+1 - but I don’t know where I’d put all those books if I bought physical ones. I’ll have to look at Kindle books.

Having said which, I’m finally getting around to reorganise my bookshelves and move some across to my new shelves too.

65) The Book of Swords: part 2 edited by Gardner Dozois

(2017)

When I Was a Highwayman Ellen Kushner
A story about Richard St. Vier as a very young man when he first came to Riverside.

A nice enough story but the ending was a bit abrupt and somewhat vague.
5.5/10

The Smoke of Gold is Glory by Scott Lynch
Once a year an old story teller tells one true story about his part in the death of the last dragon and what happened to its treasure but he takes no payment for the telling.

A quest adventure, well told.
8.5/10

The Colgrid Conundrum by Rich Larson
Crane and Gilchrist travel to Colgrid, with a locked puzzle box they have ... acquired, in search of a specific lockbreaker; she requests a service of them in payment. The conundrum is, if you do something good with short term benefits, is it as beneficial in the long term/ if the villain does something that looks evil at first, might it be a good thing (or at least a better thing than the status quo) in the long run?

Well written, makes you think.
8/10

The King’s Evil by Elizabeth Bear
Despite the title, this adventure seems to me to be a story about family; the one you lose, the one that chooses you or the one you choose.
8/10

Waterfalling by Lavie Tidhar
To Waterfalling, after many adventures seeking his lost homeland, come Gorel of Goliris (showing C.L. Moore's influence here) to face the god who resides there. This is a chapter of Gorel's life and I would like to read more about him.
7/10

The Sword Tyraste by Cecilia Holland
The pirate Galdor, king of the rock fortress Vedrborg, captured two dwarves and compelled them to make him a sword. Resenting their treatment at his hands, they curse the sword.
Vagn survives one of the boats ambushed by Galdor's men and climbs to the fortress seeking vengeance. And so they meet.
7/10

The Sons of the Dragon by George R.R. Martin
The 'Dragon' was, presumably, the first Targaeryan king to rule Westeros; this tells the story of how his sons ruled after him. Long lists of battles and longer lists of who fought and died in them which had me lost since I stopped reading The Song of Ice and Fire after a couple of books.
5/10

Averaging 49/70 7/10

3.5 stars

Wish I had Richard Wilson's money...curmudgeonry is costly!

>139 richardderus: Really? It comes easily to me.

I am currently re-stacking my bookshelves and taking the opportunity to de-Amazon the book covers in my LT catalogue (although I suspect a lot of the ones I'm picking up instead originated from Amazon sites so I don't know if that makes a difference) and give them all a wipe-down with disinfectant. I'm noticing that the American editions (by which I mean the ones with dollar signs printed next to the bar code - I have no idea where it was printed and bound; possibly all in the same place) aren't faring as well as the UK (ie the ones with the pound signs) editions. I have to put book jackets on them and run dehumidifiers in my book cupboards and the US covers tend to be browned on the insides and rip or crumble if I try to remove the plastic jacket. So books like my Vorkosigan saga published by Baen fall into this category. Eheu. First world woes.

ETA: and while I'm looking for covers, I'm noticing (again) how many 'fantasy' illustrations are recycled and used as covers for different (fantasy) books.

So the completist in me has hit a dilemma; I have a lot of partial series on my shelves, many from my school days when I would buy the last in a series that I had fallen in love with since I couldn't afford to splurge on the whole series and some from more recent times when I haven't got the whole series because of being in the wrong place or time. While common sense ... um ... suggests that they are available on Kindle and I don't have the shelf space any way, the completist (acquisitive?) me wants to see the full range of spines on display. Especially if they do that thing where they make a picture.

>141 humouress: A Dance to the Music of Time has that one edition where all the spines in proper order make up the entire image of Poussin's painting:

I always had that on my shelves, though I couldn't bear to read it because the idea of the spines being wrinkled was intolerable.

>142 richardderus: See? It's not just me.

So I'm sitting at my desk at home with the balcony doors open and I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked up to see a monkey disappearing off the balcony; I'm very glad it didn't decide to come in, instead.

>144 humouress: You have the best (or worst?) wildlife stories.

>141 humouress: Yes re the half completed series on the shelf. I also have mostly the second book by famous author after the first one was the "break out" book, rarely the one I read and loved! I bought the last three of the Ali Smith series in hardback but Autumn is not available unless I spend a fortune.

I was reading about White's classic editions last night - collecting is rather tempting until I looked at the prices!

>144 humouress: Years ago we had a safari in Zimbabwe and our last stop was Victoria Falls. We were sitting on our hotel balcony one afternoon looking out over the view and thinking that the people above us were making a lot of noise on their balcony ... Except it wasn’t people we discovered, it was monkeys that were raiding the room above as we realised when they made off with their spoils - a used cup. Apparently they would frequently do this to get any sugar dregs - we had been warned not to leave things on the balcony.

>140 humouress: Hehehe - And I am eternally amiable!

>145 curioussquared: Thank you(?)

When I first came to Singapore we lived in a condo/ apartment and all I saw were mynahs, pigeons, sparrows and geckos but when we bought our house and moved five minutes drive up the road, I've seen much more wildlife - as you know. We've had frogs, bats, shrews, various species of birds and a monitor lizard inside the house and my bird watching habits (which my mum encouraged when I was five and our house in Africa bordered a small river) are getting a brush up although my eyesight isn't very co-operative. We're lucky enough to have a patch of green near the house, which should be sacrosanct since it's the catchment area for the water reservoirs. It should be sacrosanct, but recently government-decreed-type buildings (bus depots and so on) have been popping up which is what drives the wildlife into human inhabited areas.

I was lucky enough to spot a woodpecker in our garden this weekend; until then, I hadn't even realised that there are woodpeckers in Singapore. I'll post a photo my son took.



A common flame backed or golden backed three toed woodpecker female.

>146 charl08: *sigh*

*empathic fist bump*

>147 SandDune: Oh, sugar - that makes sense. In my experience they're more opportunistic and grab first, think later.

I remember on our trip to Gibraltar, we had been warned not to go near the monkeys so we didn't but I was startled when one ran up and grabbed the shoe flower I had tucked into the outer pocket of my handbag.

We don't often get monkeys in our garden here unless there's construction or something to disturb them in the jungle so we do have some things like our root veg in the back porch. Once, a monkey grabbed an onion (probably expecting fruit) but it was obviously disappointed after taking a bite because it abandoned it half eaten. And once a monkey absconded with a packet of unfried prawn crackers which we were rather put out about because we love prawn crackers. But before they're fried, they're small and unappetising and rather hard to bite - and obviously the monkey thought so too because it had taken the packet onto our car porch roof and then dropped them there where they scattered and then stuck in the next rain shower. We could see them for days afterwards.

>148 PaulCranswick: A la Laurel & Hardy? Penn & Teller?

Monkeys with onions...the cartoon I didn't get in kidhood but need now...

>151 humouress: I have to go get some prawn crackers. I love the way they grab my tongue!

>153 richardderus: I live to serve ;0)

>154 quondame: Just make sure there aren't any monkeys around waiting to grab your prawn crackers :0)

>155 humouress: Dogs yes, monkeys no, they are rather in short supply in the tames of west Los Angeles. But there are stores selling prawn crackers, so yeah for tames!

>156 quondame: Dogs are equally opportunistic although maybe less aggressive. Pets, anyway

>142 richardderus: That would be an amazing picture to have on your shelves. I can understand you not wanting to wrinkle the spines.

66) Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

The usual fluff, obligatory bedroom scenes - although I was hoping to get away without those - and manners I would be ashamed to see my kids display in this day and age, not to mention a heap of anachronistic expressions from over the Pond but you could say the same for most Regency (I assume) romances. I could only find this on Overdrive (after seeing other people on LT had read it) as an audiobook; for only possibly my second audiobook it wasn’t too bad although I have now realised that listening to other people read aloud is a soporific for me (relaxing, I suppose). The narrator did a good job with different voices, especially older ladies, although the titular heroine (at the ripe old age of 23) and her younger sister did come across as sounding a bit more childish than I think they would have sounded in my head if I had read it myself.

I did like the fact that the two romantic leads had known each other from childhood.

3***

>159 humouress: Wow. My first experience with the new LT design was this shot across the bow of Regency-hood! The pale blue bar is going to take some getting used to.

>157 humouress: I think dogs are as aggressive, it's that they can't get as high or grab with paws that limits them - and I'm convinced that my wee dachshund flies when unobserved from some of the torn open containers I've found.

>161 quondame: My brother and sister-in-law have an elderly dachshund who is extremely adept at getting on tables, countertops, etc. when nobody is looking, even though he otherwise basically moves at a slow waddle.

>162 foggidawn: Dachshunds are sneaky little s**ts. While shameless, Gertie does seem to know what I'll be upset to find her doing and so avoids having me seeing her in action.

>160 richardderus: Well, I’m planning on toning down the review; I was just getting my first thoughts down on my phone. As for the colour, nothing I can do about it; you’ll just have to get used to it. :0)

>161 quondame: >163 quondame: More sly than bold, then.

Jasper is too large to sneak effectively but he does have that expression (face down, eyes looking up) when you know he’s done something but you just have to discover what.

Hey there! Just trying to get back in the LT swing of things. Good luck deciding whether to be a completist with the series. I feel your pain. LOL.

>162 foggidawn: Jasper is tall enough to stand up and reach tabletops (so we have to make sure things aren’t left out for him) but presumably too heavy to climb up on them, or at least I haven’t seen him up on a table. Yet.

He is, however, apparently too fat to get through the front door if you want him to go out unless you open it to its widest and stand to the side but if he wants to come in, he can weasel through an inches-wide gap as you’re trying to shut the door.

>166 Berly: Hi Kim! Thanks for coming over. I keep meaning to visit you when I see you around the threads but I’m kind of out of the swing of things myself.

I feel your pain Ahh; the balm of being amongst like-minded book people.

; )

A message was posted here by mistake, and, to make things worse, see >171 quondame:

Oops, partial duplicate!

*edited again! I'm embarrassed!*

>170 quondame: >171 quondame: It's nice to be popular :0)

>172 humouress: I know I'm a complete woolminded dunderhead for not coming up with something to fill in that would make it seem like I'm not an absolute completely unsocialized woolminded dunerhead, but that wasn't in the offing.
So here is a picture of Nutmeg plotzing after lunch -
Note the tummy bulge.

Oh yeah! Preview is working again!

>173 quondame: In that case, all is forgiven.

I shall reciprocate with a photo of Japer doing his bear rug impression.



The poor guy is obviously starved hence his nose pointed hopefully (and permanently) towards the kitchen.

>175 humouress: They really must believe they are starving to be so very convincing!

>175 humouress: Like any sensible creature, maximum belly exposure to the coolest surface available while positioned nearest to the foodhole for ease of rapid response is the posture of choice.

Simple.

>177 richardderus: You speak from experience?

>177 richardderus: Hahaha but I can verify from experience!

Have a lovely Sunday, neighbour.

>177 richardderus: >179 PaulCranswick: True; growing up in Africa, I think my favourite place to read was sprawled on the floor. Once we moved to England, it was more likely curled up on the bed with my feet tucked under me.

I have my reading spots too, Nina and places where - when I just cannot get comfy - I can't seem to turn the pages.

>181 PaulCranswick: You seem to manage alright Paul. I couldn't read in a car, for instance. And I can't seem to read outdoors. If it's in a public spot, I've got to keep half an ear cocked ('Mu-u-um, I forgot to get a towel before my swimming class' etc) or if it's in a quiet spot, my gaze wanders off into the distance and my mind goes with it.

>182 humouress: Yep, I am just a bit funny about nooks and crannies to read in in the house. Outside, on train platforms and trains or in the back of the car all present no terrors.

I've recently reset my screen saver to use photos from our holiday to the West of USA oh-so-long ago (we came back to Singapore just as Covid started making its presence felt) - and now I seem to spend an inordinately long time just watching the pictures cycle through. So I thought I should share some with you.



The end of the rainbow is just up ahead. We're nearly there, so hold on.

 

More Chihuly.

>178 humouress: Mais naturellement, I was a small boy in a *hot* climate!

>185 humouress: Ooo, Chihuly's work is so luscious. My 2020 calendar is all Chihuly works.

>186 richardderus: I think 'boy' is the operative word there. It amazes me that my boys will eat twice as much as me at dinner, add in a dessert or two and then need a snack within the hour because they're starving while I'm still stuffed.

Will you be showing off some of your Chihuly-s in your threads next year? I'll look forward to them.

>187 humouress: I could easily do a year's threads on Chihuly, I suppose. I'll consider it.

>188 richardderus: Ooh, goody! :0)

67) The Uncrowned King by Rowena Cory Daniels



{Second of 5: King Rolen's Kin series; YA, fantasy} (2010)

I started this series many years ago when we were living in Australia but didn't have a chance to finish it. I've finally managed to find it on Overdrive and am now re-reading/ continuing with it.

King Rolen's children are now scattered across Rolencia and are aware that there are momentous events afoot although none of them have the full picture. Byren kingson and his twin Lence kingsheir have been separated in fighting with Lence left behind to defend against unbeatable odds. Although mourning him, Byren is relieved that the prophecy foretelling that he would kill his brother cannot come to pass. He now needs to get back to his father at Rolenton to warn of the invasion although he feels he will have to prove that he didn't abandon his brother in order to gain the throne, which he has never wanted.

Fyn is training at Halcyon's abbey to become a warrior monk, sent there at the age of six because he has Affinity since his father's laws have decreed that anyone possessing Affinity must be under control of one of the abbeys or be outcast as a renegade power worker. But the monastery, which the kingdom will depend on for part of their defence, is invaded so he escapes and tries to get back to Rolenton to warn his father.

Piro, the only daughter, is at the castle but has to hide her Affinity so she isn't sent to Sylion's abbey. She has had visions and suspects treachery but no-one believes her warnings.

The story is told from the perspective of all three children (who are about 18, 16 and 14 respectively); the e-book I'm reading is a bit confusing because (possibly to convey that events are concurrent?) we keep jumping between them within the same chapter but the layout doesn't show the break so that one sentence you're reading about one of them and then suddenly you're with one of the others in a different situation in a different part of the country. I'm finding the characters a bit naïve, trusting suspicious people for no reason or running around in 'disguise', although everyone knows them, rather than escaping. I'm also a bit disappointed that Fyn, who has been training as a warrior mystic for the past ten years, doesn't seem to be a very able warrior (though I do understand him freezing when facing his first actual attack) or even mystic.

I did think it was interesting that instead of playing up the 'twin bond' as just about everyone else does when they have twin characters, the author goes against the trope with Byren constantly trying to counter his brother's jealousy of his easy-going popularity.

3***

My review from 2013:

The hard-won thirty year peace King Rolen earned for Rolencia seems set to be broken and all of his children affected. Piro has had visions of the castle being invaded, Lence and Byren have come up against the fore-runners of an invading force and even Fyn, who has spent the last ten years in the monastry of fighting monks, may not be safe. All of them, in different parts of the country, come up against the invaders and try to get help to their father in different ways, not knowing what has happened to the rest of their family.

Affinity (magic, which can be found in 'seeps' on the ground, and which can be used by Affinity workers and Affinity-beasts) and power-workers come into play, in spite of King Rolen's ban. Fyn tries to use his acknowledged Affinity, and Piro struggles with her hidden Affinity, but both are untrained in its use. The invaders, however, have no such restrictions and, in fact, use it to try and find the locations of King Rolen's disappeared kin.

Again, this was an easy book to read, and I am starting to care about the characters (though there have been a couple of moments when I've thought 'I wouldn't do that, if I were you'). I think this is a stronger book than the first one, though it could still use some polishing in one or two places. I did find it a little distracting, occasionally, jumping between characters; but it did serve to keep us informed as to what was happening in different parts of the country, and tied the story together.

I wil be looking for the next (last?) book in the series.

Three and a half stars

Gosh, just when my first 75 seems within reach my reading has slowed to a crawl. I managed a lot of reading during the lockdown/ circuit breaker period when I didn't have to ferry the kids hither and yon but I've barely read much in the past couple of months or so. I've also fallen behind with my reviews, which I had nearly caught up with in June, which causes a subconscious barrier to reading more before I forget what I've already read. And I've been rather sporadic on Talk on LT (you may have noticed). I will try and get around the threads and visit everyone soon, I promise.

On the other hand, I have managed to wipe down, polish and restack my bookshelves (for the most part) and taken the time while I was doing that to change the covers on my LT catalogue to member uploaded covers or search the web for good ones. This has taken a long time (quite apart from the attendant detours to author websites and so on) because I want the exact cover - colour combinations, embossed foil designs and all. Unfortunately a lot of the best ones I could find are still Amazon covers or (shh!) from Goodreads but I'm hoping that even if the Amazon sites change their covers, these will stay the same. Time will tell. And I've been editing some of my books to include the cover artists' names - which can often take some research, especially on older books.

In the meantime, life here is almost back to 'normal'. The kids are back in school and my husband is back in office for two weeks and rotates home for two weeks. (I actually enjoyed having everyone safely at home for those couple of months. And getting time to read.) Of course if we go out we have to wear masks which isn't a great deal of fun in this climate but once I get used to having it on, I manage to forget about it. I've pared down my handbag and try to think ahead to put cards I need in my phone cover so I don't have to dig around in my handbag and then have to disinfect everything when I get home (swabbing down was actually my husband's idea, not germaphobe me!) We do have to scan in if we go to a mall and then scan in whenever we go into a shop in the mall and scan out every time we leave (but it often happens that I get home and then scan out of a few) which rather puts me off my usual wandering in and out of interesting looking shops, which at least benefits my wallet. But I notice that, despite constant announcements to keep our social distance, folks are back to the usual meandering in the aisles, so I'm often stuck hovering and waiting for them to move to a side so I can get past without getting too close. Maybe we're getting too used to the new normal.

Same thing happened to me. Here’s hoping your reading turns around!

>191 humouress: Thanks Jim. And I wish you the same.

>191 humouress: Life had to return sooner or later. I'm very afraid that, here at least, it's too soon for normalcy to be safe. Well, be that as it may, here we go into the wild COVID future and long may we survive.

>191 humouress: Once you put the URL of the Amazon cover into the upload it becomes a LT cover as far as I know and so far none that I did that for have had broken display links.

>195 quondame: Oh good, thank you. That's what I was hoping.

New thread is up!