Karlstar's 2025 Reading Adventure Part 2

January reading
The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay re-re-re-read.
Implacable by Jack Campbell
A Darkness Returns by Raymond E. Feist
Candle & Crow by Kevin Hearne
The Book that Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence
Gaza: An Inquest into its Martyrdom by Norman Finkelstein
The Wandering Fire by GG Kay

February reading
The Book that Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence
Hadron's Run by Woody Clark (Early Reviewer book)
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Lyorn by Steven Brust

March reading
Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara by Terry Brooks
World War I by S.L.A. Marshall
The Orb of Cairado by Katherine Addison

April reading
The Wizard Hunters by Martha Wells
The Ships of Air by Martha Wells
World War I (finally finished)
The Stand

May reading
The Martyr by Anthony Ryan
Killing Floor by Lee Child
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
The Gate of Gods by Martha Wells

June reading
Written on the Dark by Guy Gavriel Kay
Sub-Luminal by Alastair Miles
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
Flight of the Intruder by Steven Coonts

The usual explanation of my rating system, with updated statistics from my library here on LT.

I use a 1 to 10 rating system because I started rating books on the internet using a 10 point system and because I like the additional granularity. Checking my LT ratings, I have given out 606 8+ ratings, but I don't think I should make it even harder give out 8/10 ratings, so it is now a Top 600. I only have about 134 books rated 9 stars or higher, so either I'm being too tough or there just aren't that many 9 or 10 star books. My most common rating is 6, I like most of what I read. Here's my rating scale explained.

1 - So bad, I couldn't finish it. DO NOT READ!!!
2 - Could have finished, but didn't. Do not read. This one means I made a conscious choice not to finish, usually about halfway through the book. Something is seriously wrong here.
3 - Finished it, but had to force myself. Not recommended, unless it is part of a series you really need to finish.
4 - Finished it, but really didn't like it. Not recommended unless you really need something to read.
5 - Decent book, recommended if you have spare time and need something to read.
6 - Good book, I enjoyed it, and would recommend it.
7 - Good book, recommended for everyone. I may have read it more than once, and would consider buying the hardcover edition.
8 - Great book, I would put it in the Top 600* of all time. Read more than once, I probably have the hardcover.
9 - Great book, top 100* all time. Read more than once, if I don't have the hardcover edition, I want one!
10 - All-time great book, top 50 material. Read more than twice, I probably have more than one copy/edition.

My ratings also include the Slogging Through The Mud (STTM) rating/index. This goes back to one of Elizabeth Moon's Paksenarrion books where she spends WAY too much time actually describing how the army spent days slogging through the mud. If there is a lot of travel in the book and too much time describing the traveling, the STTM rating will be high. The STTM rating also encompasses non-slogging travel and character growth, if there is any.

* My 8 star and 9-10 star ratings now exceed 600 and 100, but close enough.

Way behind on reviews again.

The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence
STTM: 5 - a surprising amount of wandering through a library
Rating: 7 out of 10

I already quoted this book a bit, I found there was some really nice writing in this one. This book is not just about books and libraries, but about the nature of friends and enemies.

Livira is a young girl when she is captured by a 'scabber' (basically a dog humanoid/gnoll), then rescued and eventually ends up in a large city, learning to be a librarian. The city that contains the library is in what appears to be a long term war with the scabbers. As Livira grows up, she learns more about the nature of the enormous library, which clearly spans both space and time. The rooms are miles across. As she adventures through this underground maze, she finds portals to more and more rooms, some of which open, and some of which do not.

She eventually meets Evar, someone who has never left the library. They meet off and on and have adventures. There's a lot going on here, enough that this book is part of a trilogy.

I thought the writing was excellent, the setting is creative and the characters are interesting. I can still remember the character names! Strangely, compared to the other Mark Lawrence book I've read, Prince of Thorns, I thought the fight scenes in this one weren't great. Maybe they weren't in the other book and I didn't notice. I'll likely keep reading this series.

Was it immersive? Yes, it got a little slow in spots but I never wanted to put it down.
Was it memorable? Yes, this is very original and well done.
Would I read this one again? Possibly.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you enjoy fantasy novels set in a giant library.

Happy New Thread!

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread!

>2 Karlstar: ...and I am glad you enjoyed The Book That Wouldn't Burn!

>3 clamairy: >4 pgmcc: >5 Alexandra_book_life: Thank you!

>6 Alexandra_book_life: I did. Have you read the next two?

Happy new thread!

>7 Karlstar: Not yet! But I am planning to :)

Happy new thread!

Today is my last official day at work. We had an online send-off event on Monday, but today is the first day with no meetings and also the last day I'll be able to access work systems and the box to return my work laptop arrives today.

I signed the separation agreement this morning. There's a bit more paperwork to finish up with my manager later, as there's still a couple of loose ends to tie up. Seems like there should be more after 40.5 years.

Still not sure what's next, I'm still working with the coach to help me look for another job, but that hasn't really started up yet.

>11 Karlstar:
Best wishes for the future and good luck with the job hunt. Also congratulations on completing 40.5 years working.

>11 Karlstar: May this next phase of life be delightful, and the next job a joy.

>12 pgmcc: >13 MrsLee: Thank you both.

>11 Karlstar: Good luck! I hope the job hunt goes well and you will enjoy your new life.

>11 Karlstar: Congratulations and the best of luck. Perhaps a bookstore could be your next workplace. Or do you think you might make a good cheese monger? I realized the pay would not be as substantial, but there might be a bit more job satisfaction. Not to mention the perks!

>11 Karlstar: What they all said. Best wishes for the future.

>8 haydninvienna: >10 terriks: >17 haydninvienna: Thank you. Tomorrow will be a strange day.

A Gentleman in Moscow
STTM: 3 - so little travel, so much character growth
Rating: 8 out of 10

I'd give this one a 9, but I only own one copy and haven't re-read it yet, though we are watching the TV series.

Many of you are familiar with this book, so there's not much I need to say. This is a semi-historical fiction, set entirely in a hotel in Moscow. Starting in 1922, Count Rostov is sentenced to spend the rest of his life living in the Metropol Hotel, only saved from the firing squad because he was supposedly the author of a famous, pro-Communist poem.

The rest of the books follows most of his life as he adapts to his circumstances, helps raise children, gets a job, finds the love of his life and all while staying in the hotel. Essentially, he evolves from a jobless gentleman to something much more.

Great writing, great characters, great setting and enough atmosphere thrown in to make this excellent. Trish is greatly enjoying the TV show and getting a good sense of the book. I liked the historical details that were included, though I did not research them all. I picked up this book at a new bookstore based on recommendations from many people here.

Was it immersive? Yes, while it took me a while I did not want to stop reading it.
Was it memorable? Yes, very much so.
Would I read this one again? Highly likely.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you like good fiction.

>11 Karlstar: That’s a very long time at one place of work - kudos to you. No wonder it feels strange; your well-known routine is going to be different.

Best of luck with the job search. Here's hoping it's interesting and enjoyable.

Thanks for your review of A Gentleman in Moscow. I didn't want that one to end, either. :)

>11 Karlstar: Just one more thought. That was a very long time at one place of work, and even if the current management doesn't acknowledge it, I have found that it's best to give my own celebrations when I want one. So I hope that you and your family will do something special to "put the cap" on those years. Whether that involves a party with cake, a trip, or just a celebratory beverage, you deserve to have a celebration.

>16 clamairy: Thank you. I have considered a bookstore! I think that would be great, though the closest is not that close. Oddly, one thing I have considered as a second career is health inspector. Though I'm not sure I really want to look in the kitchens of some of the area restaurants...

>15 Alexandra_book_life: >20 terriks: Thank you.

>21 MrsLee: My wife made a very nice FB post today and some of the work folks commented. My wife and I went out for a nice dinner tonight. Coincidentally, my brother is also retiring in 6 weeks, so we'll likely have a joint retirement party sometime.

>22 Karlstar: Oh, the health inspector quandary. You may never feel inclined to eat at any of your favorite restaurants again.

I thought this was interesting. Maybe I should start War and Peace after all, though I wouldn't be revisiting it.

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why-you-should-revisit-the-classics-even-if-y...

>24 Karlstar: Very interesting! I like thinking about how you can grow together with some books.

>24 Karlstar: Why, I think this is an encouraging and lovely post. I keep my library full of stuff I haven't read in years, but recall loving. Things like Oliver Twist, Rebecca, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, - plus a set of Shakespeare, plays by Oscar Wilde, poems and shorts by Edgar Allen Poe, books by various Bronte sisters, and yes - I do have a copy of War and Peace, though @jillmwo has made me slightly afraid of it. :D

But it's hard to go wrong thinking of re-visiting a classic every year or so.

>25 Alexandra_book_life: I definitely agree with what she said in that article, I think it is just human nature.

>26 terriks: I agree about War and Peace, though every year I try to read a classic or two, the last couple of years have been Dickens and Steinbeck.

>11 Karlstar: That had to be a surreal feeling after 40+ years at one job.

>24 Karlstar: That's a *great* article. I'm doing a lot of re-reading even as I try to expand into recent titles (i.e., those written since the year, 2000). One does notice so much more the second or third time around with a book. And, while I'm sure you could use some time to breathe between gigs, the bookstore idea that @clamairy put forward is a good one!

>26 terriks: Oh, dear. I didn't mean to scare anyone off from it. You go for it! (Because the club of those holding bragging rights needs to be expanding its membership.)

>29 jillmwo: I actually wondered (briefly) if you were the author, writing under a pen name.

>29 jillmwo: No worries, Jill - that was meant as a joke. :) I actually appreciated your commentary on it - I have a better idea what to expect from it. I've only read Anna Karenina and I did like it - but there were certain passages that seemed overlong, while others were riveting and very entertaining.

This sounds - like that. :)

I started reading Galaphile and I'm about halfway through it so far.

FYI, Galaphile is the newest Shannara book from Brooks, it was just released this week.

Terry Brooks put a letter on his Facebook page that essentially said he has retired from writing. (Also on his blog, linked here) He's turning over the writing of Shannara books to Delilah S. Dawson, and he'll help with ideas. He didn't close the door on writing more books (not Shannara) but that part sounded more like wishful thinking. Robin Hobb chimed in to say that Terry told her in person he is NOT done writing, but again, his letter made that seem a bit unlikely.

He admitted that he has noticed a decline in his writing ability and didn't want to be one of those writers.

https://terrybrooks.online/home/f/brooksblog-easy-come-easy-go

>24 Karlstar:
That is a great article. Like >29 jillmwo:, I also get things from books I reread that I did not get during earlier reads. I do not often reread books but when I have reread a book I have generally not been disappointed.

>24 Karlstar: and >33 pgmcc: I just keep going round in great big circles, rereading material -- looping back around to see what it was I missed the first time through. (And I laughed that you thought I was responsible for that particular article...)

>34 jillmwo:
I could see where >24 Karlstar: was coming from thinking it was your article. It is full of wisdom and keen observations.

>34 jillmwo: If a book is that good, it is worth reading again. Some books I even give a second reading in case I missed something.

>35 pgmcc: Exactly.

>35 pgmcc: and >36 Karlstar:. You have both apparently taken to arrant flattery. I should not encourage you in this, but internally, I might be doing something approximating a purring sound.

>37 jillmwo:
In this case arrant flattery is well deserved. Purring is a lovely sound.

Today was an expedition to the Buffalo Penzey's Spices, we had to stock up on a few things. While there we stopped at the Talking Leaves... Books store I mentioned previously. I was hoping to get the The Tomb of Dragons, but they had no Addison at all. They are a fairly small to mid-sized store, but I thought maybe they'd have an author that's been popular recently. No luck. I did pick up Sir Hereward and Mister Fitz, by Garth Nix, so that was good.

Today's legacy library is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We only share 3 books. Apparently our tastes in history books are very different.

https://www.librarything.com/catalog/RuthBaderGinsburg/yourlibrary

>40 Karlstar: I share 22 with her library. I haven't read them all though. Biggest surprise share: Bossypants by Tina Fey. My favorite book we share: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

>41 MrsLee: The message posted with the link said her library was only partially cataloged. I looked at the author list and the vast majority, there was only 1 book, so possibly they didn't include more than 1 from most authors. For example, she had 1 Rick Atkinson history, out of a trilogy; and only 1 Doris Kerns Goodwin.

I finished Galaphile and read a few chapters in War and Peace, but I also started World War I by S.L.A. Marshall.

>40 Karlstar: Yikes! 48 books shared, and I have read quite a few of them.

>41 MrsLee: I love that Anne Morrow Lindbergh book as well, and I keep meaning to reread it.

>45 clamairy: I shared mine with two friends and my sister and we all wrote notes in the margin each time we read it. It affected us differently each time. I thought I would keep my copy forever, because it had notes from my friend who died, but this year it became clear to me that I should give it to her daughter to keep. Her daughter and I are also friends.

That is something I would treasure MrsL - what a lovely gift.

For those who might be interested in what's coming the rest of the month:

https://reactormag.com/new-fantasy-books-march-2025/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc...

>41 MrsLee: >45 clamairy: >47 Bookmarque: Count me in that population that loved Gift From the Sea. And your sharing with your friend's daughter is a lovely idea, Lee! Very generous of you.

>28 Narilka: Thank you, I'm still getting used to it.

Another review to catch up on.

Lyorn by Steven Brust
STTM: 1 - Vlad never leaves the theater and doesn't change much
Rating: 8 out of 10

This book probably doesn't actually deserve this high of a rating, but I really enjoy the Vlad books. There's not much more to say than what's included in my LT review, though as usual Vlad is at his snarky best in this book. Revisiting Vlad and some of his friends and the world Brust has created was a great contrast to Joe Abercrombie and dark fantasy.

Is anyone else watching 'The Americas' on TV? I think they focus a little bit too much on one thing, but the underwater caves and water systems have been fascinating, and so was The North episode.

>51 Karlstar: That looks good! I just got Peacock a couple of weeks ago, so there is a lot of possibilities to wade through. I finally finished the SNL Concert from Radio City last night. Some nice surprises in there. (I'm pretty sure Cher has a painting in her attic.)

>52 clamairy: We are really enjoying it. Lots of interesting locations and cute animals, plus some not so cute ones. I think we've seen 4, we missed one or two and have 1 still to watch.

Today's Legacy Library is Harry Houdini: https://www.librarything.com/catalog/Harry_Houdini/allcollections

I share zero books with Mr. Houdini. I clicked around a bit and often landed on a book in French or German.

>53 Karlstar: interesting! I share two. The Bhagavad Gita and Common Sense by Thomas Paine.

I had been seeing the title/time block for The Americas (not sure if that's the right touchstone) in the online TV schedule, but hadn't yet turned it on. But I'm glad to hear some feedback on it.

We made today's 'Member Monday' on librarything's FB page:

It's Member Monday, when we highlight the awesome things that Thingamabrarians get up to, over on the site!
Our members love to read, and they love to talk about what they read. We've got all kinds of discussion Groups over on the site, dedicated to every topic imaginable. Like fantasy and science fiction? You might want to visit The Green Dragon! They've been going strong for over 15 years, and feature lots of fun, thoughtful discussion. Check them out, and check out our other Groups! https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/362/The-Green-Dragon

https://www.facebook.com/librarything

>55 jillmwo: I don't think that touchstone is correct, but I don't see a correct one on the list. I should have also mentioned that Tom Hanks is the narrator. Here's a link to the show page: https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/the-americas-nbc-episode-guide

>56 Karlstar: They spread news of us all over the internet* yesterday!

*Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, X and Threads.

>56 Karlstar: I saw that! When I went to a librarian’s convention years ago, I went by the LibraryThing booth. When the person there found out I was a member of the Green Dragon group, she gave me a t-shirt. :)

>58 clamairy: We're famous! :) The only one of those I even have an account on is Facebook.

>59 catzteach: That's nice recognition.

The Green Dragon's name precedes us. I found a mention of the Green Dragon as "the best house around." in Guy Mannering.

Thanks to the recommendations here, I bought The Orb of Cairado and read it, it was quite interesting. I'm still working my way slowly through the WWI book, I may have to add something lighter to read in parallel.

The doctors finally decided that it was time for our grandson to be born yesterday morning. They had been delaying as long as possible but it was time for both Mother and baby. He was born yesterday morning, Mom and baby are recovering, he has to spend a bit of time in the NICU as he was premature. We drove to Indiana yesterday (via Cleveland Monday night).

>63 Karlstar:
Wishing the best for your grandson, his mother and the whole family.

>63 Karlstar: Congratulations, and I send wishes for the very best of health to mom & babe.

What part of Indiana? My brother just moved to Medora a couple of years ago.

>63 Karlstar: Congratulations! Best wishes for the health of mom and baby.

>63 Karlstar: oh wonderful! I hope he advances quickly in the NICU and will be ready to go home soon.
It's lovely that you can be there for support and to meet your new grandbaby.

>63 Karlstar: Best wishes for your grandson, the mother, and your whole family!

>63 Karlstar: Congratulations, and thank goodness for modern medicine, hey? Hope they all are ready to go home soon.

>63 Karlstar: congratulations to you both and to mother, father and grandchild! Having a granddaughter of our own who was 3 months prem, wishing strength to mother, father and baby: it’s tough.

>64 pgmcc: >65 clamairy: >66 Narilka: >67 Darth-Heather: >68 Alexandra_book_life: >69 MrsLee: >70 haydninvienna: Thanks all! Mother and baby are doing well so far, recovering as expected. The little one will have to stay in the NICU for a minimum of 3 days. We had a little bit too much excitement this evening, while we were watching the baby's 3 year old sister, a strong storm came through, though the tornado watch turned out to be just a watch.

We're in South Bend, Indiana.

A reading note - while packing for the trip, I found Web of the Witch World in my computer bag, I was in process of reading it several trips ago, so while killing time in the hospital, I picked it up again. For those who are not familiar, the Witch World books by Andre Norton feature a technological opponent from another world (maybe ours, maybe not) attacking the other inhabitants, including the spell using Old Race of witches.

While looking for something else to read, I downloaded The Wizard Hunters by Martha Wells on my Kindle. It features technological 'wizards' from another world with airships attacking a civilization with magic. I did not know this when I downloaded it via Hoopla from the library, it was suggested because I'd downloaded other Wells novels.

Strange coincidence.

>63 Karlstar: What lovely news! Hope that mother and baby are doing well and can come home soon.

>72 Karlstar: I love both the Witch World books and the Martha Wells trilogy, of which The wizard hunters is the first. I hadn't thought of the similarity that you point out, but you are absolutely right!

>71 Karlstar:. Well that's alot to contend with all at once. The arrival of a brand new baby, a tornado watch, an active three-year old. I hope you catch a breather at some point. But it's wonderful to have such a cause for celebration!!!

>72 Karlstar:. Isn't fun when you encounter a cross-over of ideas like that? It should be interesting to see how Wells' treatment differed from the way that Norton approached the premise.

>73 Sakerfalcon: >74 jillmwo: Thank you both. Looks like Mom will get to go home today, baby will need to stay at the hospital another few days. I guess that means Mom goes from a patient to a visitor? Seems strange.

Well's treatment is much more personal, in depth and modern, definitely. Norton's style was very 70's, very much focused on a tight description of the action with a little bit of personal reflection. Wells' is a lot of description and a lot of personal reflection. Wells has also added another layer with active world-hopping, as the action is taking place not on the world of Ile-Rien or the invading Gardier, but yet a 3rd world.

>75 Karlstar: As sad as she will be to leave her newborn I suspect she will sleep a lot better at home. But I hope they live near the hospital, as commuting back and forth might be very uncomfortable.

>63 Karlstar: Congratulations! I hope the little guy gets released soon. Aside: anyone who tries to treat Mom as a visitor will likely regret that move. ;) Best wishes to all!

We in southeast Michigan got part of that not-so-wonderful storm system. Wild winds and torrential rain, that went on for hours. Eventually the rain seeped into a corner of the basement - at least we have a wet-vacuum which took it up. Glad you all escaped damage - the newborn is enough excitement.

>76 clamairy: Not too far away, but I think Mom is planning on spending most of the time at the hospital.

>77 terriks: Thank you. We got that storm up in WNY too, hopefully we don't have too much water in the basement, looks like from the news 3 inches fell in an hour or so. From the cat cameras, the cats don't look too disturbed, but they aren't the most reliable reporters. Guess I'll find out tomorrow when we head back.

We discovered here in Indiana that my in-laws have a small hole in the roof, when it started leaking last night. So much fun.

>78 Karlstar: The cats would likely enjoy the spectacle of watching water moving across the floor! ;)

Holes in the roof - eek! Home repair time.

I finished The Wizard Hunters, which I enjoyed, so I got the next one from Hoopla and jumped right in. I'm still reading the WWI book in between.

Update: Baby Silver went home yesterday and both Mom and baby are doing well. His big sister is already sharing her toys and books with him.

>63Mazel tov! hoping all goes well!

>81 Karlstar: That's great news!

>81 Karlstar:. Oh, how wonderful! Best wishes to the family and to you (as proud grandad).

>81 Karlstar: That is wonderful news! So happy for all of you.

>82 cindydavid4: >83 Sakerfalcon: >84 jillmwo: >85 clamairy: Thanks everyone. They've come a long way since early March, when it looked like he might be delivered way too soon.

Yay! for grandbabies!

>81 Karlstar:
Fantastic news. I am delighted for all concerned, and especially for Silver.

>81 Karlstar: This is wonderful news! I am so happy to hear that :)

>81 Karlstar: Huzzah! Great news :)

>87 catzteach: >88 pgmcc: >89 Alexandra_book_life: >90 Narilka: Thank you!

In book news, I finished The Ships of Air, the second book in the Ile-Rien series, though really, it starts with The Death of the Necromancer. I was really surprised when it ended in the middle of the story, now I have to wait for the next one.

Time to catch up on reviews.

Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
STTM: 8 - not a lot of mud, but a whole lot of slogging
Rating: 7 out of 10

I gave this one a seven, mostly because it engaged me immediately and I read it quickly. Abercrombie has a smart habit of doing something right in the beginning of the book to catch your attention and make you want to find out how it is going to be resolved. He also ties in familiar characters from previous books, which helps. I'm not particularly fond of the grimdark style of his books, there's way too much bashing, bludgeoning, eye-gouging, etc. The winner of the fight is usually the person who can absorb the most damage, not usually the one with the most skills.

However, the main characters - Shy South and Lamb, are interesting and the quest they are on is well done. Abercrombie does an excellent job bringing them to life, there are definitely worse fantasy writers.

Was it immersive? Yes, I read it fairly quickly.
Was it memorable? Yes, I still remember the characters and plot.
Would I read this one again? Probably not unless I decide to read the whole series start to finish someday.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you like grimdark fantasy with less magic, more fighting.

Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara
STTM: 5 - typical Brooks meandering in the Four Lands
Rating: 7 out of 10

I have always been a fan of Brooks and the Shannara books, with the exception of the final trilogy. I skipped those, but when I heard Brooks was going back to the beginning, I definitely wanted to read this book.

For those who have read even just one Shannara book, the name Galaphile was likely mentioned as the 'first' Druid, the one that started the order as the races started to recover after the fall of the Old World.

For Shannara fans, this book didn't disappoint. While there are magicians in the new world, in all of the races, they aren't organized at all. Also, unlike the elves, who have a king, the humans have no political organization. Galaphile joins a strong leader who starts a settlement, with the intention of making it so strong and so organized that it can't be challenged by the other settlements or bandit gangs. This is the start of human government/organization.

After that start, the book follows Galaphile as he discovers his talent for magic, finds the woman of his future, finds some trustworthy companions and goes on from there to form the beginnings of the Druid order. That's not really a spoiler, if you've read any Shannara books, this is known history, but only in a very broad sense.

I enjoyed the story and some predictable and not so predictable events. I think Brooks did a good job with it, though I can see why he chose this point to step away. While this is the first Shannara book, chronologically, I definitely do not recommend starting with this one.

I'm sad that this is the end of the Shannara journey. Maybe someday the series will get a good television series.

Was it immersive? Yes, I read it fairly quickly.
Was it memorable? Yes, I think to Shannara fans.
Would I read this one again? Probably not.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you like the Shannara books.

A great bookstore story: https://wapo.st/3YC6Akj "People form human chain, move 9,100 books to new Michigan bookstore"

The link should be available.

>94 Karlstar: Isn't that the best feel-good, heart-warming story? I teared up last night when they showed the human chain on camera during the evening news.

>95 jillmwo: It is a great story! I'm sorry I missed it on the news.

>94 Karlstar: That is awesome. And that is a lot of books to move by hand!! (We moved the last 100 books using a human chain to our new library when I lived in CT, but it was for the symbolism. 9,000 would have broken us. It was almost all moms and kids.)

>97 clamairy: Even with two lines, I'm trying to figure out how many people had to swap out to move 4,250 books. I don't think I could do that.

>98 Karlstar: Doesn't the article say they did it in 2 hours? That's amazing really.

>94 Karlstar: I couldn't get past the paywall, but can probably find this story elsewhere. This is my home state. I'm very proud. *sniffle*

>100 terriks: Maybe someday I'll understand why those gift links don't work for everyone!

There's a Spring Treasure Hunt on. A bit easier than most, so far.

>101 Karlstar: Thanks for that, I hadn't seen. You're right, this one was a bit easier. I managed all but five without help, and then Google helped me find four of the five. Couldn't figure out the last one though. That's a lot better than my usual average.

>100 terriks: Try this...

archive.ph

>103 AHS-Wolfy: Nice, thanks.

I picked up my daughter and grand-daughter from the airport this morning and on the way home, we had to stop at the awesome doughnut shop. My grand-daughter immediately wanted the specialty 'peep doughnut' in the display case. Unlike her grandfather (and Mother) she apparently likes peeps.

>105 Karlstar: Well, they are visually appealing. (Even if they are virtually tasteless.) My memory of them as a kid is that they were not as disgusting as I find them now. Enjoy your daughter and granddaughter!

>105 Karlstar: and >106 clamairy: I was horrified to discover that my sons both enjoyed Peeps and wanted them in their Easter baskets. (Their father had hoped they'd value his contribution of chocolate Easter bunnies, but, no. So my husband always ended up eating some portion of the bunnies.)

>103 AHS-Wolfy: Worked like a charm! Thanks so much!

I had family members in Chelsea when I was growing up. This brought a tear to my tired eyes. Great story. ❤️

>105 Karlstar: Have a great time! :)

Finally done with the WWI book, finishing up Web of the Witch World and I've started The Stand.

>106 clamairy: my childhood memory of Peeps is watching them expand in the microwave... they aren't good for much other than visual entertainment.

>110 Karlstar: ooo! I'll be interested in your opinions on this.

Are you reading the uncut or edited edition? The touchstone says Original Uncut.

>112 terriks: The only edition I could find on Kindle is the edited, the one with 1300+ pages. My original paperback is much shorter.

So far I am very much enjoying it.

>113 Karlstar: Oh - it sounds like your original paperback is the edited one, if it's shorter. You've read it in the past, then - I'll be interested in hearing your comparison between the two, once you've finished. Definitely a different approach between the two versions.

>114 terriks: Sorry, true, I guess the original is the edited edition. I think so far I'm seeing a lot of unnecessary stuff - but I'm enjoying it anyway. About 450 pages in.

>115 Karlstar: Thanks! Just wanted to clarify. :)

I am almost done with the long version of The Stand. I am enjoying the re-read, or the first reading of this edition, either way you want to look at it. It does seem a bit darker than the shorter version.

We hit the 'advanced sale' for friends of the library only at our library today. I think every library patron must be a 'friend', it was more packed than I've ever seen. I did find one of Barbara Hambly's Benjamin January mysteries, and a very interesting history book. Just too many people to do a thorough search through.

>117 Karlstar: Are you going back? I hope so. I'm sure you will find more books that you have to have.

>118 clamairy: We'll likely go back at least once. Thanks for asking! You know I can't resist a book sale.

At some point(s) in the past, folks here have mentioned other groups on LT where authors can promote their own books. Would anyone have examples of such groups? Trish has a couple of new books out that she'd like to promote.

>117 Karlstar: That Benjamin January series is excellent. I think my husband read almost all of them. I had introduced him to them and I know that I also introduced the series to my township library book group.

>119 Karlstar: I found these two.

https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/8391/Hobnob-with-Authors

https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/127/Writer-readers

>120 jillmwo: Thanks, I didn't know anyone else who has read them, but I've seen them mentioned.

>121 clamairy: Thank you, I'll check them out. Much appreciated!

In other Trish book news, last week I took some of them to the BookCellar, the book bar/store I mentioned a while ago. As luck would have it, they took some photos later that day and Trish's book was front and center! 2nd shelf down, 3rd book from the right.

>122 Karlstar:
Excellent.

Good luck, Trish!

>122 Karlstar: Oh, awesome!
Best of luck to Trish/@Silversi!

Has she looked into getting her books into the Early Reviewers giveaways? It would be a good way to get a lot of eyes on it at once and get reviews. Also she needs to get the LibraryThing Author's tag added to her profile.

>122 Karlstar: May she find the perfect readers for her book. What a great place for them to place it. :)

>124 clamairy: She has been trying to get into Early Reviewers, I think she's still waiting for LT to get back to her.

>123 pgmcc: >124 clamairy: >125 MrsLee: Thank you.

>120 jillmwo: loved that series! she also wrote some fantasy time of the dark and hf the emancipators wife the story of Mary Todd Lincoln. all excellent

>127 cindydavid4: I'm very familiar with her fantasy novels, but I hadn't read any Benjamin January novels yet.

>122 Karlstar: Wonderful! Good luck :)

Congrats to Trish, @Karlstar. One step at a time. And paraphrasing @MrsLee above may her perfect readers find her.

>129 Alexandra_book_life: >130 jillmwo: Thank you both! We actually haven't heard from them since, don't know yet if any have sold.

I did return to the library book sale (twice). The scifi and fantasy pickings were super, super slim. I saw 2 Terry Brooks, 1 Martin, 1 Jordan, 1 Asimov (Foundation), and a couple of others. However, I did pick up some of the Lee Child Reacher novels, a history and Flight of the Intruder. I have started reading The Martyr by Anthony Ryan, but I may set that aside for now in favor of one of the Reacher novels.

>128 Karlstar: youre in for a treat!

Time to catch up on reviews, in order of how I finished them, not how they are listed in my reading order. World War I took forever to get through.

The Orb of Cairado by Katherine Addison
STTM: 0 - very little travel and it is a novella
Rating: 6 out of 10

My LT review:

The Wizard Hunters by Martha Wells
STTM: 7 - so much travel!
Rating: 7 out of 10

I enjoyed reading this one and it helped that I read The Death of the Necromancer last year, as there were many references to some of the characters in that book. Somehow, in the 30 years or so between DoN and this book, a major war has started, one that they are losing badly. The alien Gardier, with their airships and anti-magic technology/magic are defeating the forces of Ile-Rien.

Tremaine, the daughter of the main characters from DoN, is languishing in the family home, depressed and suicidal, when she gets drawn into the action by a family friend - and a magic orb. At this point, this is where the book takes a definitely 'Witch World' turn, and Tremaine ends up going through a magical gate to another world, which the Gardier are using as a base - but it isn't their home world. There she meets the wizard hunters mentioned in the title, Ilias and his friend, who has been chosen by their god to hunt down wizards. The only problem - Tremaine might be a wizard and so are most of her friends.

Oh, and there's her version of the Titanic in this one. Sorry, not the Titanic, the Queen Mary.

The Ships of Air by Martha Wells
STTM: 7 - so much sailing and floating around. Some character growth.
Rating: 7 out of 10

I borrowed this from the library and read it immediately after The Wizard Hunters. I realize now writing this review, that I'm combining the two when I think about the plot.

Tremaine Valiarde, her wizard hunter friends and their friends and some allies from Ile-Rien continue to float about on the gigantic luxury liner, while trying to flee the Gardier, find their homeworld, solve the mysteries of their magic and technology and also try to deal with traitors and rogue wizards. A sort of shipboard murder-mystery/fantasy novel.

I enjoyed the characters, the magic and the mystery aspects. All of the characters are well done. The plot is pretty much lifted straight out of the Witch World books, with the two wizard hunters taking the role of Simon and Tremaine being Jaelith, though this story is told from Tremaine's POV, not Simon's. Even so, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

The American Heritage History of World War I by S.L.A. Marshall
STTM: not applicable
Rating: 7 out of 10

I thought this was a good, high level overview, with a focus on infantry. It started in mid-1914 and continued until mid-1919. This was very focused on infantry battles, though some sea battles were mentioned. It also covered more than just the war in Europe, which was good.

A slow read, but good.

>135 Karlstar: >136 Karlstar: This reminds me that I wanted to read more of Martha Wells' fantasy novels :)))

Yay, I am glad you enjoyed The Orb of Cairado!

>138 Alexandra_book_life: I hope you enjoy them, I liked them much better than The Witch King.

I wish The Orb of Cairado had been a little longer, but it was still good.

I have gone back to The Martyr, which is good, but I'm waiting for something to distinguish it from so many other similar fantasy novels.

Not getting a lot of reading done this weekend, we are visiting the grandchildren again this weekend. Silver will be 6 weeks old on Monday and is doing quite well.

For some reason, visiting the grandkids and inlaws is not compatible with reading either The Martyr (paperback) or War and Peace (Kindle).

Ron Chernow's biography of Mark Twain is due out soon. The article compares the length of the biography to War and Peace.

This should be a shared link: https://wapo.st/43ivqY2

>141 Karlstar: I read his bio a few years back but i would be curious how Chernow tells it

>141 Karlstar: I read about this earlier today. Seems to be a very deep dive and yes, apparently a lot of ink was spilled. 😳

Btw, WaPo wanted me to create an account in order to access your link.

>141 Karlstar: and >142 cindydavid4: I read about that earlier today. It will be interesting to read; I am thinking I will buy it as a gift for the spouse so that ultimately both of us can read it.

>143 terriks: Sorry about that, I do not understand why the 'gift' links don't always work.

>142 cindydavid4: >144 jillmwo: I'm interested, but it may have to be a library book, I'm not sure I'm quite that interested.

>145 Karlstar: No problem! 😀 Just an FYI.

I'm interested as well, but I may be counting on the Pub members who read it to inform me.

There's no doubt that Twain/Clemens is an interesting cat.

>141 Karlstar: & >143 terriks: Can always use Archive.ph site to mitigate sign-up requirements. Works for most news sites that require you to sign up just to read the odd article.

Here's the link to the posted article.

Use the search box to see if link has already been used previously but if not use the save box instead. Takes less than a minute.

>147 AHS-Wolfy: Worked perfectly - thanks!

>147 AHS-Wolfy: Thanks for that.

I finished The Martyr and I needed something not as dark. I started Flight of the Intruder and I've read a couple of chapters.

After the conversation in @alexandra_book_life's thread, I picked up my very old paperback copy of Downbelow Station. This picks up my Cherryh Alliance-Union re-read where I left off last year. I really wanted to read this on my Kindle, but the price is ridiculous. I'll check Hoopla.

I'll likely switch back and forth between Downbelow Station and Flight of the Intruder for a bit.

I remember that I was blown away by Downbelow Station when I read it the first time. I haven't gone back to it recently. I'd love to hear how you react to it upon re-reading it.

>141 Karlstar: I'm thinking it might be a great book to do as an audio, as I am a lover of Twain's. Although perhaps I should listen to his autobiography first, which I believe is in my audible library in two gigantic parts.

So the WaPo lets you read it for free, but they want to know exactly who you are, apparently. (I don't think the NY Times makes people do that.)

>151 jillmwo: I am enjoying it so far. For something written in 1981, it is surprisingly accurate on refugee issues and long range space war.

>152 clamairy: The NYT, despite me being a long time reader on the internet and sometime subscriber, won't let me read any articles at all. Thanks for the tip about WaPo. At least there are ways around it. >147 AHS-Wolfy:.

>153 Karlstar: I should clarify, the Washington Post lets you read any gift articles for free, as long as you give your email.

Still working on Downbelow Station, about 3/4 of the way through. Very realistic, and her writing style doesn't give up too much information, while also not being confusing.

Today's legacy library is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. https://www.librarything.com/catalog/ACDoyleLibrary/allcollections

I share zero books with his library. His collection includes a couple of Dickens, none that I have and some of his own books, again none that I have read.

>155 Karlstar: I share 21 books with him, and I've read at least six of them: Treasure Island, The Vicar of Wakefield, The Cloister and the Hearth, Vanity Fair, and Ivanhoe. I've read some of his books, but I don't see those in his library.

>155 Karlstar: and >156 clamairy: I only have five books that match with titles in Conan Doyle's library, but the one that jumped out at me was a Wilkie Collins' novel, The Law and The Lady. That one was a good read!!

>155 Karlstar: I have questions. Of the 15 books I share with his library, Captain's Courageous by Rudyard Kipling stood out. It was published in 1897. Dickens died in 1870.

I know he dabbled in Spiritualism, but does this mean we can go on acquiring books after we die? My future just got a whole lot brighter.

>158 MrsLee: Ha! Sadly it's not Charles Dickens' Library, it's Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's.

>156 clamairy: I have also read some of his books, just not the ones in his library. I've read Treasure Island, one of the many library books I've never cataloged. That makes one!

>159 clamairy: *head slap* I thought I must have got something wrong. Had a brain mri and they did find one, but sometimes it is hard to prove. :P

I'm still working on Downbelow Station, about 75% done. It is an old, small paperback so a little hard to read, particularly at night. Because of that, I've also started Gate of the Gods, the 3rd book in the Fall of Ile-Rien series by Martha Wells (via Hoopla) and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, which I picked up at a used bookstore recently.

Guy Gavriel Kay's latest, Written on the Dark was available yesterday. Mine is on its way, won't be here until Saturday.

>163 Karlstar: Oh, nice! Thanks for the heads up :)

>163 Karlstar: I knew the new Kay was coming. Didn't realize it had been released. I just checked and my favourite local indie bookstore has it. Might have to take a trip there tomorrow :)

oh thanks for the heads up!I stopped reading him a while back but this book seems like it breaks away from the structures of others.

>164 Alexandra_book_life: Welcome!

>165 tardis: He mentioned a few months ago that publishers put a lot of emphasis on pre-orders, which is why I pre-ordered it. Now, I wish I could just go to the bookstore and get it today.

>166 cindydavid4: It is another book in his own version of Earth, but this one is back to France, like A Song for Arbonne, though I'm not sure how closely they are related.

I see people constantly recommending Tigana as one his best books, or The Lions of Al-Rassan, but then I wonder if they've read some of his more recent work. I like both, but wouldn't put them at the top.

I finished up Downbelow Station, which was very good. I'm about halfway through Gate of Gods, the last book in Martha Wells' Fall of Ile-Rien series. I should be ready for Written on the Dark when it arrives.

>168 Karlstar: Nice to hear that you enjoyed Downbelow Station :)

>169 Alexandra_book_life: I will try to get to a review soon! My copy of Written on the Dark has arrived! I'll be starting it as soon as I finish The Gate of Gods.

I'm way behind on reviews again.

The Stand
STTM: 8 - so much walking, driving or riding, but isn't that the point?
Rating: 9 out of 10

This might someday rise to a 10, since I now have 2 copies, paperback and e-book. One more reading and a hardcover edition would move it up to a 10.

I shared a few of my thoughts on this one on Bookmarque's thread. I thought this 'long' edition was still great. A little darker than the original/shorter version and I could have done without some of the darker parts. However, I think that's why we read King's horror novels, even the ones that are more fantasy/fiction than horror.

Still well written, still with compelling characters and an all-out good versus evil conflict - but without a battle. Really a great novel. One problem now though is that so many years after it was written, it is starting to feel a little dated, in several ways.

Was it immersive? Yes, I read it fairly quickly.
Was it memorable? Definitely, though I suspect some of the details will fade.
Would I read this one again? Probably.
Would I recommend it? Yes, to anyone that likes end of the world fiction with a side of magic.

>170 Karlstar: I'm glad the book arrived on schedule. It does appear that you are reading a lot more, or is that my imagination?

>172 clamairy: I am definitely reading more. Not enough yet, but getting there.

I'm done with The Gate of Gods, so it is on to Written On the Dark! First, some more reviews.

The Martyr by Anthony Ryan
STTM: 5 - a good bit of traveling, some growth.
Rating: 6 out of 10

While I enjoyed this book, it did strike me while reading it that there isn't much to distinguish it from a typical fantasy novel. Alwyn Scribe is now part of a crusade to save the kingdom and reform the church, now that he has arranged for Evadine to survive her apparent death and be declared a Risen Martyr. The king and the church take advantage of her newfound popularity and send her, Alwyn and the rest of Covenant Company off to a rebellious duchy full of heretics. There, they find that war is war, leaders don't give up position lightly and people don't change beliefs lightly, so they have to be convinced with the sword. Much battle ensues. Alwyn Scribe becomes Captain Alwyn, but then he has to go on his own personal quest to discover why there's a book written about his entire life - but the book is hundreds of years old.

I liked it, it was interesting, but it wasn't all that special. The plot with Alwyn and Evadine is interesting and I want to see where it goes, so I'll likely read the next book but I'm not in a rush.

Was it immersive? Some days yes, some days no.
Was it memorable? I still remember the plot and several characters names a couple of weeks later.
Would I read this one again? Probably not.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you like the Ryan's style of military action with a little magic.

Killing Floor by Lee Child
STTM: 2 - some travel, written quickly.
Rating: 5 out of 10

I am a fan of the Reacher series on Amazon Prime and when I saw some of the books at the library sale, I thought I'd give them a try. The introduction by the author mentions that he was working in TV in the UK, got let go and started writing a novel. To me, that explains why the TV adaptation is so faithful to the books - he wrote a TV show, not a novel. It also explains why sometimes, the writing is like directions, not novel writing.

Despite the writing, I enjoyed the book. Almost the entire plot is based on a ridiculous coincidence that is never really explained. It is just a cosmic coincidence with a flimsy explanation. Jack Reacher, who is wandering the USA just because he can, wanders into a tiny town in Georgia, the morning after a body is discovered and he is arrested for the murder. He is a former Army investigator and has an airtight alibi, so soon he's working on the case, for very personal reasons.

I like the story and the TV show, so this was fun to read, but at parts the writing was a little rough. It also requires a total suspension of disbelief at times, as Reacher kills anyone who gets in his way, but is never, ever accused of murder, except the first time, which was a mistake.

Was it immersive? Yes.
Was it memorable? It might not have been if I hadn't watched the show.
Would I read this one again? Probably not.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you like mystery/action thrillers with a side of bad rich people behavior.

>175 Karlstar: Husband and I had the same reaction and thoughts you did about this. I've never been a romance novel reader, but I use Reacher novels for my quick fantasy reads. I guess I prefer vengeance to kissy-kissy. :D

>176 MrsLee: I picked up two more of the Reacher novels at the library sale, I'll get to them some time this year.

>177 Karlstar: Yep, that, or Little Free Libraries are or source for them also. I have to wait until I'm in a certain kind of mood before I can read them. We are also enjoying the series on Prime, although the latest one was truly stretching our limits of credibility.

>178 MrsLee: I thought the same of the most recent series. It was fun, but it is getting to be almost John Wick-like.

>178 MrsLee:
I too thought Series 2 was pushing it a bit. I watched the opening scene of the first episode of series 3 and thought Reacher acted out of character so I switched off. It was not like him to shoot without verifying his target. I thought that incident was introducing a story line that would only complicate the whole series and lead to some tiring television. I thought it was going beyond the problems of series 2.

>180 pgmcc: You are right in that it was our of character. It almost made me turn it off as well, however, if you watch one or two more episodes you will understand what really happened. Series three is still a bloodbath though.

There will be a spin-off show featuring the character Neagley as she has proved quite popular with viewers. The show is still classed as in development so no official release date as yet.

>182 AHS-Wolfy: I like the idea of that, but I also wonder if part of her appeal is the way she calls Reacher on his bull sh*t.

>183 MrsLee: I like the way they work together as a team and how she bails him out, hopefully the new show will be a little lower on wanton violence.

I finished Written on the Dark this morning, still thinking about it. As always with a GGK, it is very well written, but I'm not sure what I think about it yet.

I also finished Sub-Luminal, my most recent ER book. It was fun.