Majkia on Bayou Sarah Ann

Hi all. Happy New Year!

I'm Jean, a 74 year old retiree, living with my husband Jim and our labradoodle L.C. in Niceville Florida. I'm retired US Air Force, Jim is retired civil servant. We have a motor home we try to use as often as possible, so we're often out of town.

I read mostly genre books, sci fi, sff, mystery, but I'm shooting to add more classic books to the reading list. I read ebooks and audiobooks. Arthritis is an issue with paper books so I stopped reading them.

This year I'm concentrating on a bunch of series I've been reading for some time.

I hang out in the Category Challenge group and the Green Dragon.

Currently Reading:

🎵 🕮

Books Read 2022:
1. Dying to Sin - Stephen Booth - Series: Cooper&Fry #8 - ROOT, MysteryKIT, Focus:Mystery
2. The Executor - Margaret Oliphant - Series: Calingford #1 - ROOT, Classic
3. City of Dragons - Robin Hobb - Series: Rainwilds #3 - ROOT, Focus-SFF, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT, BingoDOG
4. This Immortal - Roger Zelazny - ☑ (Read by: Victor Levine) - ROOT, TBRCARDS, AlphaKIT
5. Inspector French's Greatest Case - F.W. Crofts - Series: Insp French #1 - ROOT, Classic, MysteryKIT
6. The Rector - Margaret Oliphant - Series: Carlingford #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Classic
7. City of Stairs - Robert J. Bennett - Series: Devine Cities#1 - ROOT, Focus:SFF, Bookspin
8. The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman - Series: Thursday Murder Club #1 - ☑ (Read by: Leslie Manville ) - AlphaKIT, #NYWHODIS, Library Book
9. The Blessing Way - Tony Hillerman - Series: Leaphorn #1 - ROOT, mysteryKIT
10. The House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ Kline - ☑ (Read by: Daniel Henning ) - ROOT, Bookspin (December), RandomCAT
11. Veiled Alliances - Kevin J. Anderson - ☑ (Read by: David Colacci ) - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,
12. Closed Circles - Vivica Sten - Series: Sandhamn #2 - ☑ (Read by: Angela Dawe ) - ROOT, MysteryKIT, Bookspin, BingoDOG
13. The Doctor's Family - Margaret Oliphant - Series: Carlingford #3 - ROOT, Classic
14. Dreadnaught - Jack Campbell - Series: Geary #7 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi
15. Mindstar Rising - Peter F. Hamilton - Series: Greg Mandel #1 - ☑ (Read by: Toby Longworth) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Series: SciFi
16. The Ten Thousand Doors of January - Alix E. Harrow - ☑ (Read by: January LeVoy) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT, BingoDOG
17. Sheepfarmer's Daughter - Elizabeth Moon - Series: Deeds of Paksenarrion #1 - ROOT. Focus:SFF. BingoDOG
18. Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir - ☑ (Read by: Ray Porter) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BingoDOG
19. The Blood of Dragons - Robin Hobb - ☑ (Read by: Anne Flosnick) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Focus-SFF
20. Black Cat Murders - Karen Baugh Menuhin - Series: Lennox #2
- ROOT, AlphaKIT, RandomCAT
21. Aunt Dimity and the Duke - Nancy Atherton - Series: Aunt Dimity #2 - ROOT, MysteryKIT, TBR Deck, BingoDOG
22. Termination Shock - Neal Stephenson - ☑ (Read by: Eduardo Ballerini) - ROOT, BFB, Bookspin
23. A Peace Divided - Tanya Huff - Series: Confederation #7 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, Bookspin
24. Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet - M.C. Beaton - Series: Agatha Raisin #1, (Read by: Diana Bishop) - ROOT, mysterykit,
25. Invincible - Jack Campbell - Series: Lost Fleet #8 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,
26. Arcadia - Ian Pears - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT
27. Slow Horses - Mick Herron - Series: Slough House #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BingoDOG
28. Ruins of the Galaxy - JN Chaney - Series: Ruins of the Galaxy #1 - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT, Focus: Sci Fi
29. Duplicate Effort - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #7 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,
30. How To Rule an Empire and Get Away With It - K.J. Parker - Series: Siege #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Deck of Cards
31. A Place of Hiding - Elizabeth George - Series: Lynley/Havers #12 - ROOT, BFB, Focus:Mystery
32. A Study in Silks - Emma Jane Holloway - Series: Baskerville Affair #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BFB, Bookspin
33. Corporation Wars: Dissidence - Ken MacLeod - Series: Corporation Wars #1 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,
34. The Darkness - Ragnar Jonasson - Series: Hidden Iceland #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, MysteryKIT, RandomKIT
35. The Summer Before the War - Helen Simonson - ROOT, Deck of Cards, - DNF
36. One Good Dragon Deserves Another - Rachel Aaron - Heartstrikers #2 - ROOT, Bookspin, SFFKIT
37. Murder at Old St. Thomas's - Lisa M. Lane - Early Reviewer
38. Fool's Assassin - Robin Hobb - Elderlings #5 - ROOT, BFB, Focus:SFF
39. Spin - Robert Charles Wilson - Spin #1 - ROOT, SFFKIT, Focus:SciFi
40. The Privilege of Peace - Tanya Huff - Confederation #8 - ROOT, SFFKIT, Focus:SciFi
41. Redemption Ark - Alastair Reynolds - Series: Revelation Space #3 - ROOT, BFB, Focus:SciFi, Bookspin
42. Dance Hall of the Dead - Tony Hillerman - Series:Leaphorn #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT
43. The Once and Future Witches - Alix E. Harrow - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BFB,
45. On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service - Rhys Bowen - Series: Her Royal Spyness #11 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery, AlphaKIT
46. Anniversary Day - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #8 - ROOT, Bookspin, Focus:Scifi
47. A Deepness in the Sky - Vernor Vinge -Series: Zones of Thought #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT, BFB
48. Footsteps in the Dark - Georgette Heyer - ROOT, Classics
49. Lady Audley's Secret - M.E. Braddon - ROOT, Classic, BFB, Bookspin, mysterykit
50. The Gate Keeper - Charles Todd - Series: Ian Rutledge #20 - ROOT, MYsteryKIT, Library Book, Series: Mystery
51. Blowback - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #9 - ROOT, Series:SciFi, SFFKIT
52. A Murder of Clones - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #10 - ROOT, Series: SciFi, SFFKIT
53. An Officer and a Spy - Robert Harris - Library Book, MysteryKIT
54. The Case of the Missing Marquess - Nancy Springer - Series: Enola Holmes #1 - MysterKIT, AlphaKIT
55. A Quantum Murder - Peter F. Hamilton - Series: Greg Mandel #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SeriesFocus:SciFi, SFFKIT
56. Miss Mackenzie - Anthony Trollope - ROOT, BingoDOG, Classic
57. The Starless Crown - James Rollins - ROOT, BFB, Bookspin
59. The Salzburg Connection - Helen MacInnes - ROOT
61. Crimson Shore - Preston/Child - Focus: Mystery, Library
62. They Found Him Dead - Georgette Heyer - ROOT, Classic, AlphaKIT, MysteryKIT,
63. One Way - S.J. Morden - Bookspin, Root
64. Search & Recovery - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #11 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, SFFKIT
65. Guardian - Jack Campbell - Series: John Geary #9 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,
66. The Family Trade - Charles Stross - Series: Merchant Princes #1 - ROOT, Focus:SFF, SFFKIT
67. Bob's Saucer Repair - Jerry Boyd - Series: Bob and Nikki #1 - ROOT,
68. Meet Me In Malmo - Torquil MacLeod - Sundstrom #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIt
69. The God Is Not Willing - Steven Erickson - Series: Witness #1 - ROOT, Bookspin, AlphaKIT
70. The High Crusade - Poul Anderson - ROOT
71. Mayhem At the Orient Express - Lylie Logan - DNF, ROOT
72. Axis - Robert Charles Wilson - Series: Spin #2 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi
73. Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding - Rhys Bowen - Series: Her Royal Spyness #12 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery
74. Grey Mask - Patricia Wentworth - Miss Silver #1 - ROOT, classic, DNF
75. Shards of Earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky - Series: Final Architect #1 - ROOT, BFB, Bookspiin
76. The Peyti Crisis - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval ARtist #12 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,
77. The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra - Vaneem Khan - Series: Baby Ganesh Detective Agency #1 - ROOT
78. Kingdom of Bones - James Rollins - Series: Sigma Force #22 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery
79. Death in the Fifth Position - Edgar Box (Gore Vidal) - Series: Peter Sergeant #1 - ROOT, Doublespin, BingoDOG, Classic
80. Listening Woman - Tony Hillerman - Series: Leapchee #3 - Library Book, Focus: Mystery
81. The Nano Flower - Peter F. Hamilton - Series: Greg Mandel #3 - Focus Series, AlphaKIT, BFB,
82. Death in a Strange Country - Donna Leon - Brunelli #2 - ROOT
83. In Plain Sight Arcane Casebook 1 - Dan Willis - Series: Arcane Casebook #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT
84. Fool's Quest - Robin Hobb - Fitz and the Fool #2 - SFFKIT, Focus:SFF, Library Book,
85. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - V.E. Schwab - AlphaKIT, SFFKIT
86. Nophek Gloss - Nicholas Eames - Series: The Graven #1 - DNF - ROOT
87. Kings of the Wyld - Nicholas Eames - Series :The Band #1 - AlphaKIT, ROOT, SFFKIT
88. The Sussex Downs Murders - John Bude - ROOT, Classic
89. Beneath a Scarlet Sky - Mark Sullivan - ROOT, BFB,
90. The Comforts of Home - Susan Hill - Series: Serrailer #9 - ROOT,
91. The Obsidian Chamber - Preston/Child - Series: Pendergast #16 - ROOT, BBFB, Focus:Mystery
92. The Bullet That Missed - Richard Osman - Library,
93. The Kill Call - Stephen Booth - Series: Cooper & Fry #9 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BFB, Focus: Mystery
94. The Kaiju Preservation Society - JOhn Scalzi - ROOT, AlphaKIT
95. Vortex - Robert Charles Wilson - Series: Spin #3 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT
96. Assassin's Fate - Robin Hobb - Fitz and the Fool #3 - Focus-SFF,
97. Sabriel - Garth Nix - Series: Absoren #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT
98. Iron Widow - Ziran Jay Zhao - AlphaKIT, Library Books
99. Steadfast The Lost Fleet - Jack Campbell - Series: Admr Geary #10 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, SFFKIT
100. The Space Between Worlds - M Johnson - DNF - Bookspin
101. With No One As Witness - Elizabeth George - Series: Lynley/Havers #13 - BFB, Focus:Mystery, ROOT
102. Ringworld - Larry Niven - ROOT, AlphaKIT
103. A Dead Djinn in Cairo - P Djeli Clark - ROOT
104. Vigilantes - Retrieval Artist - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval ARtist #13 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi
105. The Black Ascot - Charles Todd - Series:Rutledge #21 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery
106. Spinneret - Timothy Zahn - ROOT, AlphaKIT
107. The Citadel of Weeping Pearls - Aliete deBodard - ROOT, Bookspin
108. The Grace of Kings - Ken Liu - Dandelion Dynasy #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT
109. Starbase Human - K.K. Rusch - Retrieval Artist #14 - ROOT,. Focus:Sci Fi, 110. Inkheart - Cornelia Funke - DNF
110. Inkheart - DNF
111. Masterminds Retrieval Artist series - K.K. Rusch - Retrieval Artist #15 - ROOT, Focus: SciFi
112. A Practical Guide to Conquering the World - K.J.Parker - Series: Siege #3 - ROOT
113. Touch Not the Cat - Mary Stewart - ROOT, MysteryKIT
114. Lost Fleet: Leviathan - Jack Campbell - Series: Adm Geary #11 - ROOT, Focus: SciFi
115. No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished - Rachel Aaron - Series: Heartstriker #3 - ROOT, BFB
116. Upgrade - Blake Crouch - ROOT, alphaKIT
117. Sorcery Reborn - Steve McHugh - Rebellion Chronicles #1 - ROOT
118. Mythos - Stephen Fry - ROOT
119. Lost River - Stephen Booth - Series: Cooper and Fry #10 - ROOT, Focus: Mystery
120. Binti - Nnedi Okorafor - ROOT, Series:Sci Fi
121. Wanderers - Chuck Wendig - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT
122. A Ghost of a Chance - Dan Willis Series: Arcane Chronicles #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT,
123. Age of Ash - Daniel Abraham - Series: Kithamar #1 - ROOT, Bookspin
124. The Armored Saint - Myke Cole - Series: Sacred Throne #1- ROOT, Focus:SFF, SFFKIT
125. The Salvage Crew - Y Wijeratne - ROOT, AlphaKIT
126. What Came Before He Shot Her - Elizabeth George - Series: Lynley/Havers #14 - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT, Focus: Mystery
127. The Praxis - Walter Jon Williams - Series: Dread Empire's Fall - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Series:SciFi

Group Reads and Other Special Stuff

Series Reading: Series I'm attempting to concentrate on

Sci Fi Series:
Revelation Space - Alastair Reynolds
✅ #3 - Redemption Ark

Greg Mandel - Peter F. Hamilton
✅ #1 - Mindstar Rising

✅ Confederation - Tanya Huff
✅ #7 - A Peace Divided
✅ #8 - The Privilege of Peace

The Retrieval Artist - K.K. Rusch
✅ #7 Duplicate Effort
✅ #8 Anniversary Day
✅ #9 BlowBack

The Lost Fleet - Jack Campbell
✅ #7 Dreadnaught
✅ #8 - Invincible

Saga of Seven Suns - Kevin J. Anderson
✅ # Veiled Alliances

Spin - F. Paul Wilson
✅ #1 - Spin
✅ #1 - Axis

Embers of War - Garth Powell

Corporation Wars - Ken McLeod
✅ #1 - Dissidence

SFF Series:

The Daevabad Series - S.A. Chakraborty

A Chorus of Dragons - Jen Lyons

The Devine Cities Trilogy - Robert Bennett
✅ #1 - The City of Stairs

Repairman Jack - F Paul Wilson

Realm of Elderlings - Robin Hobb
✅ #3 - City of Dragons - 1/2022
✅ #4 - Blood of Dragons - 2/2022
✅ #5 The Fool's Assassin - 5/22

Deeds of Paksenarrion - Elizabeth Moon
✅ #1 - Sheepfarmer's Daughter

Book of the Ancestor - Mark Lawrence

The Sacred Throne - Myke Cole

Mystery/ Thriller Series:

Ian Rutledge - Charles Todd
✅ The Gate Keeper

Seb St Cyr - C.S. Harris

Pendergast - Preston/Child
✅ Crimson Shore

Leaphorn - Tony Hillerman
✅ Dancehall of the Dead

Gamache - Louise Penny

Cooper & Fry - Stephen Booth
✅ #8 Dying to Sin

Lynley/Havers - Elizabeth George
✅ A Place of Hiding

Her Royal Spyness - Rhys Bowen
✅ On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service

Max Tudor - G. M Malliet

Happy New Year, Jean!

It's too bad we never had a meetup before I left Florida. I lived in PCB for two years and for a while was driving to Destin every day.

>6 labfs39: Oh wow. Too bad. If you come back on vacation let me know!

1. Dying to Sin - Stephen Booth - Series: Cooper&Fry #8 - ROOT, MysteryKIT, Focus:Mystery

This series uses the intriguing setting, weather and people of the Peak District to set the mood and heighten suspense and confusion. Such an interesting series.

2. The Executor - Margaret Oliphant - Series: Calingford #1 - ROOT, Classic

Short intro to Calingford. A bit contrived but enjoyable.

Happy New Year, Jean. I see several mystery series on your list that I am also reading. I’m caught up on a couple, and will impatiently wait for the next installments.

Happy New Year to you as well. I understand the impatience!

3. City of Dragons - Robin Hobb - Series: Rainwilds #3 - ROOT, Focus-SFF, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT, BingoDOG

Excellent as usual. The City of Dragons is found in ruins. But, will it awake for the dragons? Meanwhile, once they learn of it, the traders will hurry to pull it to pieces to sell off everything. How to stop them...

Hobb is so very good at mixing plot lines and creating such complex characters.

>12 majkia: My husband loves Robin Hobb, too, and I am sure I will read one of her books sooner or later. Great to learn that you enjoy her books so much.

>13 MissBrangwen: One of my favorite writers, too. She can weave a tale.

Hi Jean. Looks like you’re off and running. Just stopping by to tell you I’ll follow your thread.

>15 dchaikin: Hi Dan. Glad to see you here.

4. This Immortal - Roger Zelazny - ☑ (Read by: Victor Levine) - ROOT, TBRCARDS, AlphaKIT

Hmm.. Not my favorite Zelazny. Not much of a plot, llthough parts of the story were very good. The mythology mainly.

>17 majkia: 1960s scifi. interesting.

Happy New Year, dear Jean.

I don't know how I missed your thread when I decided to join Club Read this year. Anyway I have starred it now. You got off to a good reading start too by the looks of things.

>17 majkia: Even a not-the-best Zelazny is still Zelazny and better than a lot of the current genre authors :)

>20 AnnieMod: So True!!

5. Inspector French's Greatest Case - F.W. Crofts - Series: Insp French #1 - ROOT, Classic, MysteryKIT

Lots of travel for the good detective as he attempts to solve a diamond robbery and murder. Not much in the way of suspense, just a concentration on detecting.

I enjoyed it, especially somebody running around London and getting anywhere he wished to be in a matter of minutes!

6. The Rector - Margaret Oliphant - Series: Carlingford #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Classic

Interesting to see a book about a male doubting his calling and putting his mother first.

7. City of Stairs - Robert J. Bennett - Series: Devine Cities#1 - ROOT, Focus:SFF, Bookspin, alphaKIT

I listened to the Audio version read, very ably, by Alma Cuervo

What is reality? Is it something solid and independent of us, each and every one of us? Or is it created by what we believe, and how we think it is? Can we make the world change by merely creating a shared reality that we all agree to live within? And if so, how can that be altered? Can it be?

This was a terrific read. A strong female protagonist, a complex plot, world-building that was deep and elaborate and well-planned. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a fantasy that has depth and thought behind it.

>24 majkia: This is already on my wishlist courtesy of an indirect BB (book ricochet?) from Betty (bragan) via Michael (dukedom_enough) and your review makes me want to read it even more.

>25 rhian_of_oz: Whoo-hoo, I'm not just hitting people with book bullets directly now, I'm also pulling off fancy multi-target trick shots! :)

I did really love that one, too. The sequels are also good!

>1 majkia: we have a bit in common. I’ll be 72 this year. My husband retired from a state job and i’m retired from the County library. I see you read myster series. I suggest Fred Vargas (a woman) series.

This is getting expensive since today is my 15th Thingaversary!

Books Bought So Far:

1. Gridlinked
2. Boy with the Narwhal Tooth
3, Ink & Sigil
4. The Code Hunters
5. The Poe Shadow
6. The Last Passenger
7. A Practical Guide to Conquering the World
8. The Accidental Alchemist
9. The Starless Crown
10. The God is Not Willing
11. A Psalm for the Wild-Built

>28 majkia: LOL. 4 to go! I've heard good things about the series beginning with Boy with the Narwhal Tooth.

>25 rhian_of_oz:, >26 bragan: Love the idea of a 'book ricochet'!

9. The Blessing Way - Tony Hillerman - Series: Leaphorn #1 - ROOT, mysteryKIT

Interesting with lots of local color and Navajo background. Surprised at how little Leaphorn appeared in the story.

Love Hillerman

>30 wandering_star: Ducking is harder!

>32 dianeham: I'll be reading a bit more of him, I suspect. ;)

Today is special for our family. We're increasing our numbers by one. Meet little Buffy the Dragon Rider (second cousin to a certain vampire slayer).

She was born November 1st and is 3/4 standard poodle, 1/4 Golden Retriever.

Our other doodle, L.C., isn't all that happy with this new state of affairs but it's only been a couple of hours. Hopefully they'll bond fine.

Awe! She's a cutie

>35 majkia: So fluffy! Hopefully the doggos are on their way to being BFFs :-).

>35 majkia: congratulations! We had a standard poodle, he was the dog I always wanted. Cisco

>35 majkia: Aww, what a cutie!

>35 majkia: What a cute little dandelion head!

>35 majkia: Well, only children don’t always take to the newcomers quickly - regardless of how many feet they have. She almost looks as a dog and not as a puppy already. :)

The House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ Kline - ☑ (Read by: Daniel Henning ) - ROOT, Bookspin (December), RandomCAT

A very sweet, sometimes a bit too sweet, if I'm honest, tale of finding one's place in the world, no matter who you are.

It's hard to get a picture of Buffy. She's hell on wheels or out cold, not much in-between time, LOL.

She doing well, and L.C. is even staying closer than before, although no playing together yet, but then Buffy tries to chew on her, so I don't blame L.C, one bit. And I have the tooth marks and scars to prove I'm dealing with a puppy!

Thanks for all the kind words about her. She's a sweetheart.

>38 dianeham: My daughter has standard poodles and has one very much like Cisco. He's gorgeous.

11. . Veiled Alliances - Kevin J. Anderson - ☑ (Read by: David Colacci ) - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, AlphaKIT

A Prequel for The Saga of Seven Suns. Cleared up a few questions I had, but nothing really surprising.

My son in NYC recently got a golden doodle puppy named Archie, about 7months old now. He looks quite similar to Buffy, but his hair is a bit darker. They are beautiful dogs, and seem to have very good personalities too.

>45 majkia: Archie sounds great. They are great doggos.

12. Closed Circles - Vivica Sten - Series: Sandhamn #2 - ☑ (Read by: Angela Dawe ) - ROOT, MysteryKIT, Bookspin, BingoDOG

Pretty good series set in a beach resort in Sweden. Good characterization and interesting and complex mystery.

13. The Doctor's Family - Margaret Oliphant - Series: Carlingford #3 - ROOT, Classic

Okay, I have to admit I was greatly annoyed with Nettie. And didn't feel much love for the doctor either. I suspect they deserve one another.

14. Dreadnaught - Jack Campbell - Series: Geary #7 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi

I don't know what exactly it is about this series, but when I start one of these I just can't put it down. Logistics! Battleship maneuvers! Political shenanigans, treachery, aliens! What's not to like?

Two weeks and finally LC is allowing Buffy to come close to her.

15. Mindstar Rising - Peter F. Hamilton - Series: Greg Mandel #1 - ☑ (Read by: Toby Longworth) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Series: SciFi

A SciFi murder mystery. Very odd, interesting. Lots of tech and complex plot.

January Wrap-Up

I read 15 books, one a re-read. 4598 pages, but no chunksters this month. 5 by female authors, 10 by males.
4 mysteries
4 SFF
3 classics
3 sci fi

Oldest written in 1861, newest in 2021.

Favorite of the month : City of Dragons altho Dreadnaught was a close second. These are books I enjoy, not necessarily based on how well written or whatever. I'm in it for the joy of reading, and try not to judge between genres except in figuring out what I most enjoy.

February Plans
Blood of Dragons - Robin Hobb - Focus Series: SFF, AlphaKIT,
Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir - AlphaKIT,
Lady Audley's Secret - M.E. Braddon- Classic, group read

Aunt Dimity and the Duke - Nancy Atherton - AlphaKIT, TBRCard (2 of clubs: ghosts)
The Body Finder - Kimberley Derting - Library Book
The Black Cat Murders - K.B. Menuhin - RandomCAT, AlphaKIT
Salem Chapel - M Oliphant - Classic

✔ Ten Thousand Doors of January - Alix E. Harrow - SFFKIT, AlphaKIT, BingoDog
City of Blades - Robert J. Bennett - Focus Series: SFF, AlphaKIT
The Future of another time line - A Newitz - SFFKIT, AlphaKIT
A Place of Hiding - Elizabeth George BigFatBook, Focus Series: Mystery

>52 majkia: The Greg Mandel books are fun. Although Hamilton is one of my favorite authors so I like most of his anyway. :)

>54 AnnieMod: He's one of my favorite authors as well.

16. The Ten Thousand Doors of January - Alix E. Harrow - ☑ (Read by: January LeVoy) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT, BingoDOG

Hmmm. Fascinating concept, which I thought got muddled a few times, but good and interesting and well written book nonetheless.

17. Sheepfarmer's Daughter - Elizabeth Moon - Series: Deeds of Paksenarrion #1 - ROOT. Focus:SFF. BingoDOG

Lots of slogging through mud going on but still loving Paks and her Duke. Lots of character development, realistic vision of warfare. strong women and men who accept that.

18. Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir - ☑ (Read by: Ray Porter) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BingoDOG

What a fabulously upbeat story. Lots of science!!!! Science!!!!! Rocky! And Engineering!!!!!

The sun is dying with an infection of some sort, and all Earth is activated to figure out what the heck is going on and stop it. And it ends up that a high school science teacher, who doesn't want to go off to space to save the world, is the one true Earth hero. Rocky, being the alien hero!

19. The Blood of Dragons - Robin Hobb - 🎵 (Read by: Anne Flosnick) - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Focus-SFF

Great wrap-up to the tale of the return of dragons and the re-founding of Kelsingra. Not much else I can say because everything's a spoiler!

Hest finally getting his!!!! Seldon finally rescued! Bad guys punished, dragons!

20. Black Cat Murders - Karen Baugh Menuhin - Series: Lennox #2
- ROOT, AlphaKIT, RandomCAT

Country house murder involving opera singers, wedding doings and a curmudgeonly crime solver.

21. Aunt Dimity and the Duke - Nancy Atherton - Series: Aunt Dimity #2 - ROOT, MysteryKIT, TBR Deck, BingoDOG

I'm very much enjoying this series. I really like the vibes and the characters and the mystery had a few surprises.

22. Termination Shock - Neal Stephenson - 🎵 (Read by: Eduardo Ballerini) - ROOT, BFB, Bookspin

All about what to do about climate change, and how to deal with societal disruption, competing countries, and luddites. Intriguing, if a bit hard to follow at times.

>62 majkia: i’m curious about this new Stephenson. Do you think the audio format made it harder to follow?

>63 dchaikin: Yeah, I think it did. Jumping from group to a different group of characters was a bit confusing and I had to back up numerous times to make sure I caught the transitions.

23. A Peace Divided - Tanya Huff - Series: Confederation #7 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, Bookspin

A rather confusing entry in the series. I found the constant jumping back and forth between good guys and bad guys a bit difficult to follow. Still, it's Gunny ...

24. Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet - M.C. Beaton - Series: Agatha Raisin #1, (Read by: Diana Bishop) - ROOT, mysterykit,

Fun cozy with the unrepentant Agatha Raisin. Still struggling to fit into a small Cotswold village.

25. Invincible - Jack Campbell - Series: Lost Fleet #8 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,

Still an excellent series and still so oddly compelling, considering the majority of the action is one guy moving ships through space.

26. Arcadia - Ian Pears - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT

Complex, as most of Pears work is. Well written, and thought provoking.

27. Slow Horses - Mick Herron - Series: Slough House #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BingoDOG

Quite different from most spook books. Will have to watch the series on AppleTV now.

28. Ruins of the Galaxy - JN Chaney - Series: Ruins of the Galaxy #1 - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT, Focus: Sci Fi

Pretty good mil sci fi. Nothing ground breaking but a fun read nonetheless.

>70 majkia: I hadn't heard of that series, thanks. Have you read the Sten series?

>71 karspeak: No, I'll have to look for it.

29. Duplicate Effort - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #7 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,

Still enjoying this series. Imaginative look at social issues when aliens are involved, not to mention crazy humans.

>73 majkia: You are just about to get to the even crazier humans part of the series (the whole Anniversary Day subseries). I miss this series... :)

>74 AnnieMod: Oh, glad to hear this series stays good!

30. How To Rule an Empire and Get Away With It - K.J. Parker - Series: Siege #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Deck of Cards

So funny in a dry and imaginative way. I mean, who can create a series about a siege! And who'd imagine an actor would be the GOAT.

31. A Place of Hiding - Elizabeth George - Series: Lynley/Havers #12 - ROOT, BFB, Focus:Mystery

This is certainly a change-up for the series. Starring Simon and Deborah rather than Lynley or Havers. Interesting though.

32. A Study in Silks - Emma Jane Holloway - Series: Baskerville Affair #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BFB, Bookspin

Well, that was a refreshing change up on Holmesian pastiche. A bit steampunk, but not a lot, nice writing, interesting characters, and a magic twist.

33. Corporation Wars: Dissidence - Ken MacLeod - Series: Corporation Wars #1 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,
Hmmm. I'm a hard science fan, and particularly of AI and trans humans, but I found the plot hard to follow and the unreliable narrators making it harder to follow along.
Fascinating ideas though.

34. The Darkness - Ragnar Jonasson - Series: Hidden Iceland #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, MysteryKIT, RandomKIT

Very atmospheric, with a complex mystery with twists and surprises galor. And the ending...

35. The Summer Before the War - Helen Simonson - ROOT, Deck of Cards, - DNF

I just didn't click with this book. I found most of the women horrible, and didn't care enough about the main characters to wade through the annoying bits.

36. One Good Dragon Deserves Another - Rachel Aaron - Heartstrikers #2 - ROOT, Bookspin, SFFKIT, BingoDOG

Fun YA series. Neat Characters, and not a lot of romance, thank heavens. I'm enjoying this a lot, and love the world she's created.

>81 majkia: I think I liked this one more than you.

>83 labfs39: I was so surprised I didn't like it.

37. Murder at Old St. Thomas's - Lisa M. Lane - Early Reviewer
I enjoyed this mystery. It was nearly a cozy. Well researched, interesting characters, nicely written, and although not many twists and turns, still a pretty good mystery.

38. Fool's Assassin - Robin Hobb - Elderlings #5 - ROOT, BFB, Focus:SFF

Wow. Took a couple of chapters to get my head out of the Rainwilds and back to FitzChivalry, but once I did.... And... she's still awfully good at torturing the poor guy.

Complex and wonderful characters, twists and turns, and terrifically written story.

39. Spin - Robert Charles Wilson - Spin #1 - ROOT, SFFKIT, Focus:SciFi

This is a re-read for me so I can read the entire trilogy. Just as good, if not better, on re-read. A truly alien take on aliens, with not a lot of answers, humanity just trying to exist, despite what seems to be a lethal takeover by truly alien 'hypotheticals'.

40. The Privilege of Peace - Tanya Huff - Confederation #8 - ROOT, SFFKIT, Focus:SciFi

Great wrap-up for the series. I'll miss Gunny and Craig and Alamber especially. I loved the mix of races and how the Confederation is attempting to integrate all into a functioning whole.

41. He Who Fears the Wolf - Karin Fossum - Series: Sejer #3 - ROOT, MysteryKIT

Very interesting murder mystery, with the focus on the criminals rather than the detectives or their investigation. Psychological and complex.

42. Redemption Ark - Alastair Reynolds - Series: Revelation Space #3 - ROOT, BFB, Focus:SciFi, Bookspin

Epic space opera with intelligent pigs. I am enjoying the imagination involved in picturing the far future and guessing what humanity would do with unlimited (almost) resources and time.

43. Dance Hall of the Dead - Tony Hillerman - Series:Leaphorn #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT

Lots of local color, lots of Navajo and Zuni mythology and religion. Very intriguing given that, and the mystery wasn't bad either. I guessed who did it, but not why.

44. The Once and Future Witches - Alix E. Harrow - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BFB

Very well done alternate reality where women are being held down because there were witches in the world. But three sisters find the ways and the words and decide to bring back the magic and free their sisters from men who beat and control them.

45. On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service - Rhys Bowen - Series: Her Royal Spyness #11 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery, AlphaKIT

Why attempting to help her friend, Belinda, our heroine gets ordered by the queen to go to a meeting in Italy to check up on her errant son and Wallace Simson. Needless to say, murder and mayhem ensue.

A fun series, which often makes me laugh out loud.

46. Anniversary Day - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #8 - ROOT, Bookspin, Focus:Scifi

Wow. I really enjoy this series. Lots of atmosphere, great characters, and impressive world-building - in this case, world-destroying. Eager for the next book.

>92 majkia: I had been looking at that one for awhile - need to get around to it.

>94 majkia: :) Glad you are enjoying this series.

47. A Deepness in the Sky - Vernor Vinge -Series: Zones of Thought #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT, BFB

Very intriguing alien story, with the humans threatening to destroy an intelligent species.

48. Footsteps in the Dark - Georgette Heyer - ROOT, Classics

Definitely not my favorite Heyer. One woman was so annoying I nearly stopped reading the book. I also figured out the main mystery way too early.

49. The Gate Keeper - Charles Todd - Series: Ian Rutledge #20 - ROOT, MYsteryKIT, Library Book, Series: Mystery

I love this series. So good on the psychological effects of shell shock, and the economic and cultural changes right after WWI.

50. Lady Audley's Secret - M.E. Braddon - ROOT, Classic, BFB, Bookspin, mysterykit

Some of it I found jarring, old thoughts about women, how they were sly and plotting, and yet, how little power they had in the day, even the wealthy ones.

51. Blowback - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #9 - ROOT, Series:SciFi, SFFKIT

The pressure mounts as assassins/bombers are loose on the Moon. Great series. Immediately reading the follow on.

52. A Murder of Clones - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #10 - ROOT, Series: SciFi, SFFKIT

Darn it! This book follows the money, as they say, looking for bombers and assassins, and didn't check back in on the Moon and Miles and DeRicci at all. Now gotta hurry and read the next one too.

53. An Officer and a Spy - Robert Harris - Library Book, MysteryKIT

Interesting novelization of the Dreyfus Affair in France. Quite the bunch of miserable people were involved in this.

>102 majkia: I read this years ago and also found it interesting.

54. The Case of the Missing Marquess - Nancy Springer - Series: Enola Holmes #1 - MysterKIT, AlphaKIT

Okay Holmes pastiche. Not my favorite though.

55. A Quantum Murder - Peter F. Hamilton - Series: Greg Mandel #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SeriesFocus:SciFi, SFFKIT

Murder mystery at the quantum level. Different, cool.

>105 majkia: You had been going through some of my favorite series lately. :)

>106 AnnieMod: I got away from sci fi and fantasy for a decade or so, mainly because if difficulty finding books in series. Now that I can access bookstores on the internet and use LT to figure out series, I'm getting back to what I love.

Living in a small town has its perks, but a dearth of bookstores is not one of them.

>107 majkia: Yeah, I hear you. Try living in a small country with a small language :) I did not get into modern SF and Fantasy in English until sometime in 2003 or 2004 when I got my first credit card - at which point I was able to use Amazon (and small publishers' sites -- even if for half of them I had to mail them and ask them if they were willing to send to me - Bulgaria was rarely added as a country they were shipping to in those days) and realized I am not constrained by what publishers translate in Bulgarian or whatever the local bookstores decide to import in English or Russian (which is how I did read some - almost always standalones or early novels in series because series were hit or miss on getting the complete series from the bookstore and in those days they were not taking custom orders for fiction...). And whole series were available at all times.

Then when I moved to the states in 2010 and I could buy used books and got my first kindle, things got even easier...

56. Miss Mackenzie - Anthony Trollope - ROOT, BingoDOG, Classic

What a horrible book. Apparently the lesson is that women should remain poor because money teaches them to stand up for themselves, and we can't very well have that.

>109 majkia: LOL

57. The Man Who Died Twice - Richard Osman - Library,
Funny, enjoyable mystery.

58. The Starless Crown - James Rollins - ROOT, BFB, Bookspin

Great book. Impressive world-building and Rollins, master of the thriller, created a plot that never slows.

59. The Salzburg Connection - Helen MacInnes - ROOT
Old time spy drama from the cold war, with Nazis and Commies and US and British spies all converging on a tiny lake in Austria that holds a box.

Brought back some old memories from the 60s and 70s. Including my trip in 1970 still with spies running around Europe. And everywhere else I suppose.

60. Artemis - Andy Weir

What a fun caper story, complicated by being set on the moon in the only colony there. Escape is well, limited? Anyway, great characters, complicated plot and science!

>114 majkia: Have you read Project Hail Mary by Weir? It was fantastic. My favorite of his.

>115 labfs39: I did! It was great. Also my favorite so far.

61. Crimson Shore - Preston/Child - Focus: Mystery, Library

Pendergast is always weird, and this book was no exception. I do like bringing Constance more into the story. And, an old enemy reappears!

62. They Found Him Dead - Georgette Heyer - ROOT, Classic, AlphaKIT, MysteryKIT,

Enjoyable whodunnit, with lots of twits and lots of lovely dialogue. I guessed the murderer, but had my doubts!

One Way - S.J. Morden - Bookspin, Root

Very powerful and sadly believable book about what a corporation will do to make money.

Prisoners are sent to Mars to set up a base for NASA. Lies, and plots and multiple murderers make for an exciting and twist filled plot.

64. Search & Recovery - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval Artist #11 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, SFFKIT

Not as good as some of the other books in the series, but still pushing the plot forward.

65. Guardian - Jack Campbell - Series: John Geary #9 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,

Great addition to the series. I particularly loved the ending.

66. The Family Trade - Charles Stross - Series: Merchant Princes #1 - ROOT, Focus:SFF, SFFKIT

This is a re-read so I can read the rest of the series. Really enjoyed the modern sci fi take on the Merchant Princes of Italy.

Great main character and interesting world-walkers she meets. Lots of action, and Miriam is no wilting violet, even if the women of her new-found relatives are expected to be pretty, well-spoken and obedient. NOT.

67. Bob's Saucer Repair - Jerry Boyd - Series: Bob and Nikki #1 - ROOT,

Fun first contact. Snarky humans meet snarky ... human aliens. When Nikki's saucer nearly crashes Bob comes to her rescue. The rest, as they say, is history.

>123 majkia: Snarky humans meet snarky ... human aliens lol

68. Meet Me In Malmo - Torquil MacLeod - Sundstrom #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIt

Enjoyable Swedish based mystery. Lots of twists.

69. The God Is Not Willing - Steven Erickson - Series: Witness #1 - ROOT, Bookspin, AlphaKIT

Malazan! Great to be back.

70. The High Crusade - Poul Anderson - ROOT

I liked the idea, but since despise the whole crusade idea, this was a challenge.

71. Mayhem at the Orient Express - Kylie Logan

DNF Didn't make it past the first chapter. What a bunch of obnoxious people. I don't have the patience to read about people like that.

73. Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding - Rhys Bowen - Series: Her Royal Spyness #12 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery

Such a fun series. Georgie finally gets her own mystery and rises to the occasion, backed up by Granddad and Mom.

74. Grey Mask - Patricia Wentworth - Miss Silver #1 - ROOT, classic, DNF

I understand that there are many stupid people in the world, but I don't have to read about them. The protagonist is stupid and the potential victim is even worse. I'd stab her myself if I had to listen to her drivel for more than a minute.

>130 majkia: I'd stab her myself if I had to listen to her drivel LOL

75. Shards of Earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky - Series: Final Architect #1 - ROOT, BFB, Bookspiin

I'll need to re-read this when I get the rest of the series. Great start and can't wait.

76. . The Peyti Crisis - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval ARtist #12 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi,

I really enjoy this series. Imaginative, complex, and lots of twists and turns.

77. The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra - Vaneem Khan - Series: Baby Ganesh Detective Agency #1 - ROOT

Indian style cozy with a baby elephant sidekicking the retired inspector. A fun, fanciful read.

78. Kingdom of Bones - James Rollins - Series: Sigma Force #22 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery

Compelling as always. Our guys and gals go into the Congo to discover the origin of a terrifying new disease, and discover far more than they expected.

79. Death in the Fifth Position - Edgar Box (Gore Vidal) - Series: Peter Sergeant #1 - ROOT, Doublespin, BingoDOG, Classic

Interesting look back at the communist purges in the artistic community. Lots of historical references as usual with Vidal's work. The mystery was confusing enough that I was never certain I'd figured it out.

80. Listening Woman - Tony Hillerman - Series: Leapchee #3 - Library Book, Focus: Mystery

Such a fascinating series, with lots of lore, colorful characters and scenery.

81. The Nano Flower - Peter F. Hamilton - Series: Greg Mandel #3 - Focus Series, AlphaKIT, BFB,
82. Death in a Strange Country - Donna Leon - Brunelli #2 - ROOT

Nano Flower was a very odd first contact/mystery story. Greg Mandel is asked to help a friend find her missing husband, who appears to have disappeared as a result of, or with, the first alien to visit Earth. I really enjoyed the series .

Death in a Strange Country was an interesting murder mystery that says a lot about America's presence in other countries. It also deals with climate issues, which are so relevant now.

I enjoyed both books quite a lot.

83. In Plain Sight Arcane Casebook 1 - Dan Willis - Series: Arcane Casebook #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT

What a fun SFF cozy type of mystery. I liked the characterization and the mystery was convoluted enough to confuse me. Altogether a very pleasant read.

84. Fool's Quest - Robin Hobb - Fitz and the Fool #2 - SFFKIT, Focus:SFF, Library Book

No one can quite torture her characters (especially Fitz) - and her readers - quite like Robin Hobb. As usual, Fitz is full of plans but, alas, life intervenes. But he's back with the Fool and searching for little Bee.

85. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - V.E. Schwab - AlphaKIT, SFFKIT

Hmmm. What to say. I loved the concept and it was beautifully written. But it is also a bit slow going, and I figured out the ending long before the book ended. Still, enjoyable.

86. Nophek Gloss - Nicholas Eames - Series: The Graven #1 - DNF - ROOT

I really wanted to read this book. I love the concepts and most of the characters, and it's very imaginative. My problem is the main character who begins at 14 and acts like it. But then he's supposed to be 'augmented' which will age him to 20 and update his brain and emotions as well. Except, even after the augmentation, instead of a competent adult, we're still stuck with a 14 year old in a grown up body, who is just utterly stupid all round.

So, anyway, DNF for me at about 50%.

87. Kings of the Wyld - Nicholas Eames - Series :The Band #1 - AlphaKIT, ROOT, SFFKIT

Fun 'getting the band back together' story. One of the guys (all retired) finds out his daughter is at risk as she'd followed in Daddy's footsteps, and gone off hunting demons in the wyld. The guys go after her to save little Rosy.

88. The Sussex Downs Murders - John Bude - ROOT, Classic
Pretty good classic murder tale. Lots of twists and some surprises.

89. Beneath a Scarlet Sky - Mark Sullivan - ROOT, BFB,
This is a story about a young man in Italy during WWII. Interesting life, supposedly based on reality.

90. The Comforts of Home - Susan Hill - Series: Serrailer #9 - ROOT,
I love this series. Simon is complex and surprising. His family convoluted and comforting in many ways. The mysteries are okay, but Simon is definitely the draw for me.

91. The Obsidian Chamber - Preston/Child - Series: Pendergast #16 - ROOT, BBFB, Focus:Mystery

Still dealing with Diogenes. Go Constance.

92. The Bullet That Missed - Richard Osman - Library,

This was a surprise. I suggested the Library purchase this book and when they did they set me as first in line for the copy.

I do love this series. I particularly love Joyce's wild unfiltered train of thought mutterings. Great characters, the mysteries are almost reduntant. Almost. ;)

I like that kind of surprise!

93. The Kill Call - Stephen Booth - Series: Cooper & Fry #9 - ROOT, AlphaKIT, BFB, Focus: Mystery

This series is deeply focused on the area (the Peak district), its history, its geography, its people. The mysteries are well thought out, and effective at keeping you guessing. And such interesting characters.

94. The Kaiju Preservation Society - JOhn Scalzi - ROOT, AlphaKIT
Typical crazy Scalzi fun scifi. Much like his book Redshirts he expands an existing idea and runs with it. Great fun.

95. Vortex - Robert Charles Wilson - Series: Spin #3 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT

Finished it, and, oh well, the world and science and physics is strange....

I just finished Vortex to. I liked the first two in the series better, though. How about you?

>153 arubabookwoman: Definitely.

96. Assassin's Fate - Robin Hobb - Fitz and the Fool #3 - Focus-SFF,

Wow. Robin Hobb is the best writer I have ever read. What a wrap up to the series.

97. Sabriel - Garth Nix - Series: Absoren #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT

I'd probably have liked this a lot better if I hadn't also been reading Iron Widow which is blowing me away.

98. Iron Widow - Ziran Jay Zhao - AlphaKIT, Library Books

Wow. Girls tired of being sacrifices. Look out world. Great characters, empowering, lots of action.

99. Steadfast The Lost Fleet - Jack Campbell - Series: Admr Geary #10 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi, SFFKIT

Still loving this series, as suddenly a new threat appears. Of their own making?

100. The Space Between Worlds - M Johnson - DNF - Bookspin

Alas, my 100th book is a DNF. Couldn't get into this one. Too much talking, not much action.

>159 majkia: Too bad your 100th was a dud. Better luck with 101

>160 labfs39: Thanks!

101. With No One As Witness - Elizabeth George - Series: Lynley/Havers #13 - BFB, Focus:Mystery, ROOT

Wow. Major character development and life change in this one. Did not see that coming.

102. Ringworld - Larry Niven - ROOT, AlphaKIT
Meh.

103. A Dead Djinn in Cairo - P Djeli Clark - ROOT

The library surprised me with ordering this audiobook, so they checked it out to me. Fun book, and definitely will be reading more of this series.

104. Vigilantes - Retrieval Artist - K.K. Rusch - Series: Retrieval ARtist #13 - ROOT, Focus:SciFi

Oi. When will we learn the truth!

105. The Black Ascot - Charles Todd - Series:Rutledge #21 - ROOT, Focus:Mystery

Still my favorite mystery series. Ian is such a complex, flawed, and interesting character. And his method of investigation is mostly about putting threads that seem unrelated together to flesh out a whole picture.

106. Spinneret - Timothy Zahn - ROOT, AlphaKIT

Science-y and surprising.

107. The Citadel of Weeping Pearls - Aliete deBodard - ROOT, Bookspin

My first venture into this weird world. I have a couple of others from this universe I guess I'll check them out too.

108. The Grace of Kings - Ken Liu - Dandelion Dynasy #1 - ROOT, AlphaKIT
Nicely written but for some reason I never really engaged fully with this book.

111. Masterminds Retrieval Artist series - K.K. Rusch - Retrieval Artist #15 - ROOT, Focus: SciFi

Wow. Quite the wrap up to a really imaginative and well done series.

112. A Practical Guide to Conquering the World - K.J.Parker - Series: Siege #3 - ROOT

What a terrific series. I loved the snark and the characters. Great fun.

113. Touch Not the Cat - Mary Stewart - ROOT, MysteryKIT

It took me a bit to get into this book, but after about half way it picked up and I enjoyed it far more. I did think our heroine was a bit silly in jumping to conclusions but she finally got there.

114. Lost Fleet: Leviathan - Jack Campbell - Series: Adm Geary #11 - ROOT, Focus: SciFi

Still compelling read for me. Can't ever put them down. No idea why, LOL.

115. No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished - Rachel Aaron - Series: Heartstriker #3 - ROOT, BFB

Fun series, with lots of twists and turns. I enjoy the characters a lot, and can even put up with the romance as it isn't too steamy.

116. Upgrade - Blake Crouch - ROOT, alphaKIT

His books are always in my wheelhouse. I love all the science and the action is great too. Recommended for the hard science inclined.

>175 majkia: Do you have a background in science, Jean?

>176 labfs39: I was a math/psych double major. I worked as a research scientist assistant for a year then joined the air force as a computer geek.

Impressive. Have you read Cryptonomicon and Anathem? They were as "hard science inclined" as I get for science fiction.

>178 labfs39: I have. I enjoyed the first far better than the second but enjoyed both.

>179 majkia: Me too. The scene where they put the dead relative's belongings on a grid of monetary value vs sentimental value in the parking lot to determine who gets what was a riot.

117. Sorcery Reborn - Steve McHugh - Rebellion Chronicles #1 - ROOT
Well, darn. This didn't work out like I expected. This is a straight follow on to his previous series, which I only read the first book of. Sigh. Now I'm back to that series, because I loved this even though I didn't understand parts based on the previous series.

118. Mythos - Stephen Fry - ROOT
Audio version, so I got to enjoy listening to Stephen as well as enjoying his version of the myths. Interesting, presented in an easily approachable manner.

119. Lost River - Stephen Booth - Series: Cooper and Fry #10 - ROOT, Focus: Mystery

I do like this series, but this book was quite different, as Fry was dealing with her past in Brum. Also,
quite a few triggers for abuse in this one, which made it hard reading for me.

>176 labfs39: >177 majkia: >178 labfs39: >179 majkia: >180 labfs39:

You guys remind me I had Godel Escher Bach sitting on my tbr shelf.

ETA - I meant to type “have”, not “had”. It’s still here.

>184 dchaikin: As do I, Dan. Next month I'm reading The Double Helix for my book club.

>184 dchaikin: I need to reread that one of these days

120. Binti - Nnedi Okorafor - ROOT, Series:Sci Fi

Hmm. Not sure I'll continue this series. I'll try the next one and see. Not that I didn't like it, just wasn't drawn in the way I like to be.

>187 majkia: I felt the same.

121. Wanderers - Chuck Wendig - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT

Wow. Lots of science, lots of mystery, lots of enjoyment.

122. A Ghost of a Chance - Dan Willis
Series: Arcane Chronicles #2 - ROOT, AlphaKIT,

I'm enjoying this cozy sort of SFF. Alex is a runewright who is also a detective. He's always broke, often because he offers to help folks who can't afford to pay him. Good guy, fun story.

123. Age of Ash - Daniel Abraham - Series: Kithamar #1 - ROOT, Bookspin
I'll definitely have to re-read this when the rest of the series comes out. Complex plot, as well as character development.

124. The Armored Saint - Myke Cole - Series: Sacred Throne #1- ROOT, Focus:SFF, SFFKIT

I enjoyed this one. Surprises, and plot twists and great characters.

125. The Salvage Crew - Y Wijeratne - ROOT, AlphaKIT

A sort of Firefly story, told by Nathan Fillion. Fun, with some twists.

LT makes the world smaller and better. Have a good holiday, Jean.

126. What Came Before He Shot Her - Elizabeth George - Series: Lynley/Havers #14 - ROOT, BFB, AlphaKIT, Focus: Mystery

Until the end I didn't realize what this was about. It is the story of who did the shooting in the 11th book of the series. Wow.

127. The Praxis - Walter Jon Williams - Series: Dread Empire's Fall - ROOT, AlphaKIT, Series:SciFi

I really enjoyed this, although I admit the first half is pretty slow, setting the rest of the series up. After about half way in it became really interesting!