Jean's Genre Challenge

Currently Reading

🎵 The Deer Leap - Martha Grimes
🕮 The Suspect - L R Wright

Reading Plans for December
Sci Fi
✅ Freedom's Dawn - Ryk Brown
✅ The Stardust Grail - Yume Kitasei
✅ Boneyards - K K Rusch
✅ Deep Black - Miles Cameron

SFF
✅ Quantico - Greg Bear
✅ Guinevere Deception - Kiersten White
✅ Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan
✅ To Ride Hell's Chasm - Janny Wurts

Mystery/Thriller
✅ Help the Poor Struggler - Martha Grimes
✅ The Medici Manuscript - C J Archer
✅ Death of a Busybody - George Bellairs
✅ Shatter the Bones - Stuart MacBride

Historical/Alt History/Classics
✅ Bright Young Dead - Jessica Fellows

Challenge 1 : Science Fiction

1. A Memory Called Empire - Arkady Martine - 464 pages
2. A Desolation Called Peace - Arkady Martine - 496 pages
3. Shards of the Earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky - 560 pages
4. Eyes of the Void - Adrian Tchaikovsky - 608 pages
5. Eversion - Alastair Reynolds - 352 pages
6. Fallen Dragon - Peter F Hamilton - 832 pages
7. The Rings of Haven - Ryk Brown - 240 pages
8. Heaven's River - Dennis E Taylor - 640 pages
9. Abaddon's Gate - James S A Corey - 566 pages
10. The Lords of Uncreation - Adrian Tchaikovsky PAges: 625
11. The Captain (Last Horizon) - Will Wight
12. The Oppenheimer Alternative - Robert J Sawyer
13. Too Like the Lightning - Ada Palmer
14. Probability Moon - Nancy Kress
15. Prador Moon - Neal Asher
16. Diving into the Wreck - K K Rusch
17. Primary Inversion- Catherine Asaro
18. Dead Energy - James M Corkill DNF
19. The Worst Ship in the Fleet - Skyler Ramirez
20. Starfish - Peter Watts
21. Edges (Frontier) - Linda Nagata
22. The Legend of Corinair - Ryk Brown
23. A History of What Comes Next - Sylvain Neuvel
24. Cibola Burn - James S A Corey
25. Agent to the Stars - John Scalzi
26. Chaos Terminal - Mur Lafferty
27. Noumenon - Marina J Lostetter
28. Summertide - Charles Sheffield
29. Finder - Suzanne Palmer
30. Consider Plebas - Ian M Banks
31. Nemesis Games - James S A Corey
32. Driving the Deep - Suzanne Palmer
33. Luna: Wolf Moon - Ian McDonald
34. The Worst Spies in the Sector - Sylar Ramirez
35. The Blighted Stars - Megan E. O'Keefe
36. Columbus Day - Craig Alanson
37. Luna: Moon Rising - Ian McDonald
38. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars - Christopher Paolini
39. Void - Veronica Roth
40. City of Ruins - K K Rusch
41. All Systems Red - Martha Wells
42. The Downloaded - Robert J Sawyer
43. The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe - Skyler Ramirez
44. A Fractured Void - Tim Pratt
45. The Deep Sky - Yume Kitasei
46. Roadkill - Dennis E Taylor
47. The Mercy of Gods - James S A Corey
48. Light Chaser - Hamilton and Powell
49. LIttle Fuzzy - H Beam Piper
50. Artificial Condition - Martha Wells
51. Babylon's Ashes - James S A Corey
52. Artifact Space - Miles Cameron
53. Freedom's Dawn - Ryk Brown
54. The Stardust Grail - Yume Kitasei
55. Boneyards - K K Rusch
56. Deep Black - Miles Cameron

Challenge 2: Speculative Fiction

1. The Book That Wouldn't Burn - Mark Lawrence - 567 pages
2. A Clash of Kings - George RR Martin - 768 pages
3. Daggerspell - Katarine Kerr - 483 pages
4. Legends and Lattes - Travis Baldree - 304 pages
5. Mort - Terry Pratchett - 243 pages
6. Starling House - Alix E Harrow - 320 pages
7. Run - Blake Crouch - 288
8. A Little Hatred - Joe Abercrombie - 480 pages
9. Limelight - Dan Willis
10. A Storm of Swords - GRRM (A Chapter a Day Readalong)
11. Sing the Four Quarters - Tanya Huff
12. Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead - K J Parker
13. A Feast for Crows - GRRM
14. Maleficent Seven -
15. Stormwarden - Janny Wurts
16. Last Dragon Standing - Rachel Aaron
17. Keeper of the Keys - Janny Wurts
18. How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying - Django Wexler
19. Shadowfane - Janny Wurts
20. The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Nghi Vo
21. The Art of Prophecy - Wesley Chu
22. the Librarian of Crooked Lane - C J Archer
23. The Life of Elves - Muriel Barbery
24. Book of Night - Holly Black
25. The Mist in the Mirror - Susan Hill
26. A House With Good Bones - T Kingfisher
27. Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo
28. The Seventh Bride - T Kingfisher
29. Blood Relation - Dan Willis
30. Event - David L Golemon
31. Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan
32. Fuzzy Nation - John Scalzi
33. The Medici Manuscript - C J Archer
34. The Guinevere Deception - Kiersten White
35. To Ride Hell's Chasm - Janny Wurts

Challenge 3: Mystery/ Thriller
1. Naked In Death J D Robb DNF
2. The Anodyne Necklace - Martha Grimes
3. Dead and Buried - Stephen Booth
4. Believing the Lie - Elizabeth George - 624 pages
5. Slow Horses - Mick Herron - 325 pages
6. Argylle - Elly Conway - 352 pages
7. The Marlow Murder Club - Robert Thorogood - 480 pages
8. The Dirty Duck - Martha Grimes
9. The Tourist - Oleg Steinhauer
10. City of Endless Night - Preston/Child
11. Dead Lions - Mick Herron
12. Snowbound - Blake Crouch
13. The Gray Man - Mark Greaney
14. Blood Gospel - James Rollins - 732 pages
15. Verses for the Dead - Preston/Child
16. (Just One Evil Act -Elizabeth George
17. The List (Slough House) - Mick Herron
18. Real Tigers - Mick Herron
19. A Blunt Instrument - Georgette Heyer
20. Jerusalem Inn - Martha Grimes
21. A Better Man - Louise Penny
22. Spook Street - Mick Herron
23. The Corpse Bridge - Stephen Booth
24. Victim 2117 - Jussi Adler-Olsen
25. A Banquet of Consequences - Elizabeth George
26. A Foreign Country - Charles Cumming
27. We Solve Murders - Richard Osman
28. Stormbreaker - Anthony Horowitz
29. London Rules - Mick Herron
30. Help the Poor Struggler - Martha Grimes
31. Death and Judgement - Donna Leon
32. Bright Young Dead - Jessica Fellowes
33. Quantico - Greg Bear DNF
34. Death of a Busybody - George Bellairs
35. The Venetian Affair - Helen MacInnes
36. Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone - Benjamin Stevenson
37. Shatter the Bones - Stuart MacBride

Challenge 4: Historical/ Alternate History/Classics
1. Vienna at Nightfall - Richard Wake
2. The Essex Serpent - Sarah Perry
3. Europe in Autumn - Dave Hutchinson - 416 pages
4. Babel - R F Kuang - 560 pages
5. The Mitford Murders - Jessica Fellowes - 338 pages
6. Zoo Station - David Downing - 293 pages
7. The Rift - Walter Jon Williams - 944 pages
8. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
9. Lavinia - Ursula K Le Guin
10. Silesian Station - David Downing
11. The Murder of Mr Wickham - Claudia Gray
12. Stettin Station - David Downing
13. Ariadne - Jennifer Saint - DNF
14. A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia - Clara Benson
15. Black Out - John Lawton DNF
16. A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder - Dianne Freeman

Challenge 5: TBR Challenge

❌ The Marlow Murder Club - R Thorogood
❌ The Downloaded - Robert J. Sawyer
❌ Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead - K J Parker
❌ The Art of Prophecy - Wesley Chu
❌ Persephone Station - Stina Leicht
❌ Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan
❌ The Book That Wouldn't Burn - Mark Sullivan
❌ To Sleep in a Sea of Stars - Christopher Paolini
Once Upon a River - Diane Setterfield
❌ Quantico - Greg Bear DNF
❌ Ariadne - Jennifer Saint
❌ Book of Night - Holly Black
❌ The Blighted Stars - Megan O'Keefe
❌ Ministry for the Future - Kim Stanley Robinson
❌ To Ride Hell's Chasm - Janny Wurts
❌ The Life of Elves - Muriel Barbery
❌ Eversion - Alastair Reynolds
❌ Babel, Or, The Necessity of Violence - R F Kuang
❌ The Oppenheimer Alternative - Robert J Sawyer
❌ Artifact Space - Miles Cameron
❌ The Seventh Bride - T. Kingfisher
❌ York: the Shadow Cipher - Laura Ruby
❌ Summertide - Charles Sheffield
❌ The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
❌ Lavinia - Urusla K LeGuin

🐾

BingoDog
A book with an ugly cover
✔ Europe in Autumn -Something that takes place in multiple countries
✔ City of ruins - Set in the city
✔ Daggerspell (Deverry) Involves warriors or mercenaries
Epistolary or diary format
✔ Argylle - Title contains a person's name
Written by an author 65 or older
A book with nothing on the cover but the title and author
✔ The Book That Wouldn't Burn - Features a paper based item in the plot
✔ Abaddon's Gate Reread a favorite book
Something themed around food or cooking
✔ Dead Energy A book with fewer than 100 copies on LT
✔ Read a CAT
✔ Believing the Lie A book featuring water
A book written in another cultural tradition
✔ A Little Hatred The words "Big" or "Little" in the title
A book featuring twins
A short story collection / Anthology
✔ We Solve Murders Read a current/recent bestseller
A book about a topic about which you have specific knowledge or expertise
✔ Nemesis Games A book about Friendship
✔ The Worst Spies in the Sector First published in a year ending in 24
✔ A Feast for Crows A book from one of the libraries listed under the "Similar libraries" featured on your LT profile page
Something written by a person of colour
✔ The Anodyne Necklace A three-word title.

Series I'm attempting to focus on:

SciFi:
1. The Polity Neal Asher
2. The Expanse - James S A Corey
✔ Abaddon's Gate
✔ Cibola Burn
✔ Nemesis Games
3. Wayward Galaxy - Jason Anspach
4. Skolian Empire - Catherine Asaro
✔ Primary Inversion
5. Alex Cave - James M Corkill
✔ Dead Energy
6. Terra Ignota - Ada Palmer
✔ Too Like the Lightning
7. Take Them to the Stars - Sylvan Neuvel
✔ A History of What Comes Next
8. Fear - Blake Crouch
✔ Run
✔ Snowbound
✅ The Final Architecture - Adrian Tchaikovsky
✔ Shards of the Earth
✔ Eyes of the Void
✔ The Lords of Uncreation
10. Frontier Saga - Ryk Brown
✔the Rings of Haven
✔ The Legend of Corinair
11. Diving Universe - K K Rusch
✔ Diving into the Wreck
✔ City of Ruins
12. The Culture - Ian M Banks
✔ Considr Phlebas
✅ 13. Luna - Ian MacDonald
✔ Luna: New Moon
✔ Luna: Wolf Moon
✔ Luna: Moon Rising
14. Murderbot - Martha Wells
✔ All Systems Red
15. Expeditionary Force - Craig Alanson
✔ Columbus Day

Spec Fic
1. Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo
2. Cycle of Fire - Janny Wurts
✔ Stormwarden
✔ Keeper of the Keys
3. The Age of Madness - - Joe Abercrombie
✔ A LIttle Madness
4. Deverry - Katharine Kurtz
✔ Daggerspell(Deverry)
5. Hellequin - Steve McHugh
6. The Locked Tomb - Tamsyn Muir
7. Discworld - Terry Pratchett
✔Mort Terry Pratchett

Mystery/ Thriller
1. Inspector Brunetti - Donna Leon
2. Pendergast - Preston/Child
✔ City of Endless Night
✔ Verses for the Dead
3. Gamache - Louise Penny
✔ A Better Man
4. Cooper & Fry - Stephen Booth
✔ Dead and Buried
✔ The Corpse Bridge
5. Lynley/Havers - Elizabeth George
✔ Believing the Lie
✔ Just One Evil Act
✔ A Banquet of Consequences
6. Richard Jury - Martha Grimes
✔ The Anodyne Necklace
✔ The Dirty Duck
7. Slough House -Mick Herron
✔ Slow Horses
✔ Dead Lions
✔ The List (Slough House)
✔ Spook Street
8. Milo Weaver - Olen Steinhauer
✔ The Tourist
9. Leaphorn/Chee - Tony Hillerman
10. Logan McCrae - Stuart MacBride
11. Gray Man - Mark Greaney
✔ The Gray Man
12. Anita Sundstrom - Torquil MacLeod

Historical/ Alt History
1. Alex Kovacs - Richard Wake
✔ Vienna at Nightfall
2. Fractured Europe - Dave Hutchins
✔ Europe in Autumn
3. John Russell - David Downing
✔ Zoo Station
✔ Silesian Station
✔ Stettin Station
4. Inspector Rutledge -Charles Todd
5. Georgette Heyer

>6 majkia: Love this image! Book stacks always make me happy.

I haven't read this particular book by Holly Black, but I read the Cruel Prince series and really enjoyed it. Curious what you'll ultimately think. I may have to move it up my TBR pile!

Looks like you are all set for 2024! I am looking forward to following along.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your choices work out! Happy 2024 reading.

>2 majkia: That car looks predatory! Happy reading in 2004.

Looking forward to following what you read in 2024.

>8 majkia: Mick Herron's Slough House is one of my favourite series.

Love that historical/Alt Hist Cat!

Me too! I am very interested to see you alt history reads. Happy reading in 2024!

>14 VivienneR: Oh, that's good to hear. I've been eager to read that series.

>15 Tess_W: >16 JayneCM: I see to be heavy on spies in this plan.

Dropping my star! You found some cool images, too.

I like your images too! Stopping by to say "hi" and looking forward to a new year of reading.

Sheesh. I want so bad to start the new Challenges!

>20 majkia: I agree!! It is difficult to wait. I usually start my new ones in December as long as I have finished the current December challenges.

Good luck with your 2024 challenges! Like you, I hope to focus more on series next year.

I love your black-and-white images, and I'll be interested to follow your series reading -- you've got a lot of interesting ones on your list!

Good luck with your reading this year. I look forward to getting more Bullets from your thread.

You have big plans for 2024, and I wish you lots of luck and great reading!

Has anyone used the CAWPILE rating method? I have a spreadsheet I'm going to use for 2024 that has it as part of the spreadsheet.

I'm pretty lazy and don't do much with ratings, mainly because I can never really articulate how I feel about one book compared to others, especially different genres. I'd like to change that, but unsure how to do so.

>26 majkia: I haven't used CAWPILE before and my reviews are more along the line of what I liked or didn't about the various books instead of actual constructive criticism. I will be interested in how it works for you and will perhaps give it a try at some point.

The CAWPILE rating system is:
Character:
Atmosphere/Setting:
Writing Style:
Plot:
Intrigue:
Logic/Relationships:
Enjoyment:
TOTAL:

Rate Each one, 1-10, add, and divide by 7 to get a rating for each book. We'll see how well this works for me, and if I'm energetic enough to keep it up.

>26 majkia: I tried this at one time but found it time consuming and quickly gave up - maybe I'm just lazy. I simply rate a book by how much I enjoyed it. Sometimes that means a highly regarded book gets a low rating because I did not like it. Purple Hibiscus is an example.

I'll be interested in how you find the system, long term. A spreadsheet would help, though.

>28 majkia: Interested to see how you go with this. I'd be inclined to give more weight to writing style, less to intrigue, and add humour. How do you separate intrigue from plot, I wonder? In my LT ratings I often add worthy points for big ideas.

>29 VivienneR: Yeah, I'm wondering how long I'll mess with it. I'm basically pretty lazy. I just want to read, you know?

>30 pamelad: I like to add worthy points too, but often can't really come up with anything interesting to say. I'm hoping this will help me articulate my thoughts a bit better.

Good luck with your 2024 reading, you've jogged my memory with your series list. I recognize a few where I've only read the first book or haven't even started!

Have fun with your reading in 2024 and enjoy catching up on those series!

>28 majkia: I know I'd never keep up with something like that, but it might be interesting to do it for a few books and see if it makes me pay more attention to the different categories. I like to like books, and I can usually find something to like in one, but I don't always think very hard about what exactly it is (and I think I'd get -1 in writing style for that last sentence, but I can't think of a better way to phrase it right now).

Hello Jean. You are so organised! It all looks great and I'm looking forward to following along. I have about a gazillion series I want to make progress with.

Thanks everyone.

I'll be dropping by for sure!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Starting my challenge a bit early. Finished my ebook, so might as well get going on 2024 books! Starting York: The Shadow Cipher.

I've finished my last book of 2023 so jumping in and adding The Book That Wouldn't Burn next. It was a library hold that said 6 weeks a day or so ago, and turned up available for me this morning!

>40 majkia: No matter what, my library holds tend to come in clumps.

Happy new year, Jean.
I'll be interested to see how CAWPILE works for you. It might help with the book that is well written and valuable, but not necessarily enjoyable in terms of topic or reading experience. I'm always torn how to rate those.
Looking forward to seeing what you get through this year.

>40 majkia: I have that out from the library as well! It sounds like just my thing. So fingers crossed as I have high expectations. Look forward to seeing what you think.

I'm going to unofficially try CAWPILE to see how it works for me!

I've used a rubric I came up with for rating books for years. I rate on how much I liked the book, plot, pacing, characterization, and writing; all on a scale of 1-5. The final rating is a weighted average where the "liked" category counts double, because this is my personal rating rubric and I wanted to better represent that a book can be across the board excellent and I still don't care for it for whatever reason.

>45 casvelyn: Oh that sounds interesting. Perhaps I'll mess with this one to personalize it, once I've given it a shot as it is.

Coming up with a personal rubric for rating books is an interesting idea. I like the idea of having some sort of guidelines, especially for those books that >45 casvelyn: points out are objectively excellent books but that I just didn’t like. I think most of the CAWPILE attributes I’d just lump together into “quality of writing,” which is just one out of many things that make or break a book for me, and a couple, like intrigue, I don’t think matter much to me at all for most books other than mysteries or thrillers. I’ll have to think about the attributes that do affect my opinion of book.

>47 Charon07: I've been pondering the CAWPILE catagories whilst reading my current two books. It's interesting that just knowing I'm planning on using it has me becoming more aware of the ideas it wants me to rate. That alone is a good thing, as I'm pondering the book a bit more deeply than just enjoying the read.

1.

The Book That Wouldn't Burn - Mark Lawrence
Series: The Book That Wouldn't Burn #1
Pages: 576
Challeges: TBR, BingoDOG

CAWPILE Rating:

1. Character: 7
   
2. Atmosphere/Setting: 8
   
3. Writing Style: 8
   
4. Plot: 8
   
5. Intrigue:9
   
6. Logic/Relationships: 7
   
7. Enjoyment: 9
   
8. Rating: 4
   
   
   
   Imaginative, very nicely written, with some jaw-dropping plot twists. World-building is terrific and the characters are deeply drawn and those you can come to really care about. Lots to say about conflict and enemies and prejudices and assumptions.
   
   I did find things confusing at first, which dropped my rating of the book a little.
   
   I look forward to the rest of the series, but will have to re-read this one when I get all the books.
   
   I listened to the audiobook read by Jessica Wittaker who did a great job.

>49 majkia: Taking a BB for this one.

2.

A Clash of Kings - George R R Martin
Series: Song of Ice and Fire #2
768 pages

CAWPILE Rating:

1. Character: 8
   
2. Atmosphere/Setting: 8
   
3. Writing Style: 9
   
4. Plot: 8
   
5. Intrigue: 9
   
6. Logic/Relationships: 8
   
7. Enjoyment: 9
   
8. Rating: 4 💙
   
   
   
   This is a Re-Read. I listened to the audiobook read by Roy Dotrice who did a wonderful job.
   
   So complex with so many interlocking moving parts, it is amazing to me it all comes together. War, and horror and bravery and craven critters. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the read if you enjoy epic sword and sorcery.

I'm starting to love the CAWPILE ratings!

Thank you, majkia! You've inspired me to add a slightly revised system to my spreadsheet. So far it's been working well although I probably won't use it if my rating is clear enough that it needs no consideration (or when I'm too lazy).

>52 mysterymax: Oh good.
>53 VivienneR: I'll be eager to see how you've altered it!

3.

Daggerspell - Katharine Kerr
Series: Deverry #1
Pages: 482
I listened to the Audiobook read by Ruth Urquhart

Challenges:
ROOT
SFFKIT
Focus SFF
BingoDOG
CalendarCAT
SeriesLove2024

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 6 - some characters well drawn, others not so much
• Atmosphere/Setting: 7 Definitely based on epic fantasy tropes
• Writing Style: 8 - Very nicely written, I enjoy her style
• Plot: 7 - confusing, with multiple timelines and people reincarnated from one to the other
• Intrigue: 7 - plots and plots
• Logic/Relationships: 5 - I found some of it rather unbelievable or at least odd
• Enjoyment: 7 - I did enjoy the story.

Rating: 3.5 💙

I'm planning on continuing the series, to see where this goes.

4.

Legends and Lattes - Travis Baldree
Series: Legends and Lattes #1
Pages: 304
Challenges:
ROOT
Bookspin

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 8 - The strength of the book are the characters, definitely. And I liked the diversity. Especially Thimble!
• Atmosphere/Setting: 7 - Nicely done world making and just a hint of magical stuff.
• Writing Style: 7 - Well written and easy to read.
• Plot: 5 - Not much of a plot, but the story moves ahead anyway
• Intrigue: 6 - Uhm, easily expected but still worked
• Logic/Relationships: 7 - I did love how the characters come together, despite Viv at times.
• Enjoyment: 7 - Definitely enjoyed it.
Rating: 3.5 💙

6.

A Memory Called Empire - Arkady Martine
Audiobook - Read by Amy Landon
Pages: 464

Challenges:
ROOT
AlphaKIT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7 - Very complex inter-relationships
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8 - impressive atomosphere and world building
• Writing Style: 9 - Beautifully written with lots of introspection and consideration of events
• Plot: 7 - not as important as other aspects of the tale.
• Intrigue: 8 - guess who's on who's side. politics....
• Logic/Relationships: 8 - loyalties tested, and sometimes with unexpected results
• Enjoyment: 8 - I really enjoyed it. And am moving on to book two immediately.
Rating: 4 💙

7.

Naked In Death J D Robb
Audio - Reader: Susan Eriksen
Pages: 314 - I read about 100

Challenges:
ROOT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 5
• Atmosphere/Setting:4
• Writing Style:4
• Plot:4
• Intrigue:3
• Logic/Relationships:2
• Enjoyment:3
Rating:
2 💙

Way too Romancy for me.. DNF

8.

A Desolation Called Peace - Arkady Martine
Series: Teixcalaan 2
Audio - Reader - Amy Landon
Pages: 496
Challenges:
ROOT
AlphaKIT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9 Complex and interconnecting characters, well drawn and thoughtful.
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8 Aliens and civilizations that are different and complex
• Writing Style: 9 Beautifully written, complex when it needs to be.
• Plot: 7 - A bit hard to follow at times, but then there are many layers that make that true.
• Intrigue: 8 - Lots of players with competing wants/needs/fears
• Logic/Relationships: 7 - I confess to some confusion with the interactions of some of the characters. I think I need to re-read at some point
• Enjoyment: 8 - Great read.
Rating: 4 💙

9.

The Anodyne Necklace - Martha Grimes
Series: Richard Jury #3
Audio - Reader: Steve West
Pages: 304
Challenges:
ROOT
AlphaKIT
Focus Mystery
BingoDOG
Backlist Readathon
Roll100

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style:8
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue:8
• Logic/Relationships: 9
• Enjoyment: 9
Rating: 4 💙

I adore Jury and Plant. Laughs, great frienship, smart guys, intelligent kids, sneaky adults, and smitten women. I confess the mystery itself is secondary to me, because I love the Jury/Plant relationship so very much.

What's not to love.

>60 majkia: Martha Grimes has been on my radar for a while, but I've never taken the plunge. The Richard Jury series sounds interesting!

>61 christina_reads: I began reading these when they first came out. At the time we'd moved here to the beach, with no real library and only one bookstore 20 miles away. I'm OCD on series, so I put them aside. Now that I can actually see the whole series listing, and easily get the books, I'm so glad I'm back to reading them.

>60 majkia: Never heard of Plant & Jury. Just purchased the first one on audio--on sale for the next 5 days for $4.99.

10.

Vienna at Nightfall - Richard Wake
Series: Alex Kovacs #1
Pages: 308
Challenges:
ROOT
Focus Historical
CalanderCAT
Roll100

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 6
• Atmosphere/Setting:8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships:
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

This is a scary read. It's about Hitler beginning to move on Europe and Austria specifically. It was far too close to current events, in the way Hitler and his cronies acted, for comfort.

11.

Mort - Terry Pratchett
Audio - Reader: Nigel Planer
Pages: 243
Challenges:
ROOT
Roll100
Backlist Readathon

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 8
• Atmosphere/Setting:7
• Writing Style: 7
• Plot: 6
• Intrigue: 6
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

I do love Death but like him more in the later books. I did enjoy seeking Ook if only momentarily.

>60 majkia: I also read a lot of the Richard Jury/Melrose Plant books when they came out, which is well before I joined LT so I can't remember how far I got with the series. The library has numbers 19 through to 25, so 19, The Winds of Change could be a good place to re-start.

I so appreciate LT and being able to look up what I've read.

Fixed the touchstone.

>60 majkia: Just read the necklace one a short while ago. I love Jury and the books, but what I find truly appealing is how he always has a child (or children) as a minor character and they fit into to story so well, so naturally. And someone's pet.

>67 mysterymax: I agree. I love that he actually seeks out the kids who are far more observant than the adults!

>68 majkia: And in most books children and animals are almost invisible if they are there at all. Children and the servants - invisible, but see and hear everything - Poirot always seems to manage to talk to the servants in a manner that causes them to reveal what they've seen or heard. I forget now what tv police or detective show it was, but I think it was Poirot, where there were children in a tree house....

>65 majkia: whereas that's my favourite of all the discworld series. it was also my first, bought for my 16th birthday. The giver gave it saying "I think you'll like, it but I'm not sure". I loved it. Never looked back. There's a far amount of nostalgia in that assessment, I admit.

I had a pretty good month of reading.
I finished 11 books, 6 by women writers, 5 by men.

I did have quite a few re-reads because I'm re-reading first book of series that I intend to finish.

More SSF than SciFi, I had 1 DNF that got too romance-y for my taste.

I finally got to complete the Teixcalaan series, which is awesome.
I'm also re-reading The Song of Ice and Fire which is interesting. I keep being surprised when my memory pulls up the tv series version rather than the book version of some events. Not surprising since I watched the TV series after I'd read most of the series.

Looking forward to a good February.

12.
Shards of the Earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky - 560 pages
Series: The Final Architecture #1
Audiobook: Read by: Sophie Aldred

Challenges:
ROOT
Focus SciFI
Jan Doublespin
BFB

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9 Complex characterization, with various aliens and altered humans.
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8 Strange unkown aliens attacking human worlds for no known reason. A few humans have been altered to 'fight' them. Only a few survived when humanity drove off the aliens. But they didn't win. Just - the aliens left.
• Writing Style: 9 Nicely written, very complex and he did a good job clarifying as much as possible.
• Plot: 8 - A lot is unkown so we follow those who are attempting to make sense of what is going on.
• Intrigue: 8 - I love that the attacking aliens are so, uhm, alien. No one understands why the are killing planets and anyone on them.
• Logic/Relationships: 8 - Folks coming together to fight the threat, and yet, of course, others making things more difficult because of political reasons
• Enjoyment: 9 - Really interesting, and intriguing book.
Rating: 4.25 💙

It looks like the Cawpile Rating is working well for you.

13.

The Essex Serpent - Sarah Perry
Audio version read by: Juanita Mahon and ebook

Challenges:
CalendarCAT (LibraryBook)
AlphaKIT
Roll100
ReadMyKindle

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7
Impressive characters deeply and consistently created
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
Very atmospheric. 8
This the strongest aspect of the book I thought
• Writing Style:9
Her writing is what kept me reading.
• Plot: 5
What plot?
• Intrigue: 6
Not much.
• Logic/Relationships: 6
I found this challenging. Lots of hand wringing not much actual doing.
• Enjoyment: 7
I kept reading because it is so beautifully written, but really knew the ending long before the last of the reading.
Rating: 3.5 💙

13.
Starling House - Alix E Harrow
Audiobook Read by: Natalie Naudus

Challenges:
AlphaKIT
CalendarCAT (Library Book)
RandomKIT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting:9
• Writing Style:9
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue:8
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment: 9
Rating: 4.5 💙

Characterization is super. I could almost see them in my mind. The setting, ditto. Atmospheric, creepy, horror done right IMO. The plot and the progression is great, kept me glued to the book. Best book so far this year.

I do want to say it kept evoking something I already read years ago, but I can't put my finger on what it was. I'm not a big horror reader, so the fact I enjoyed this so much was a surprise, although I'd already read her Ten Thousand Doors of January which I'd really enjoyed so that's why I put this on my library wishlist.

>75 majkia: I've definitely been curious about this one, as I really enjoyed The Ten Thousand Doors of January as well. Glad to see you liked it!

14.
Dead and Buried - Stephen Booth
Series: Cooper and Fry #12

Challenges:
ROOT
Focus Mystery
Roll100

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 7
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 8
Rating: 3.5 💙

Difficult entry for the series, with bad things happening to Cooper's life. As usual, the main 'character' is the setting. The moors and the Peak district front and center at the heart of the story.

>77 majkia: I definitely don't need another series, but I made a note of this for later. The setting of the Peak District intrigues me!

>75 majkia: - >76 christina_reads: - I took a BB for "Ten Thousand Doors" from you (Jean) a couple of years ago and with Christine's mention and some kindle credits, I decided to get it to read on vacation in a couple of weeks.

>78 MissBrangwen: I know that feeling. I've way too many series. But I do like books that focus on settings.

>76 christina_reads: >79 dudes22: Hope you two enjoy it!

>75 majkia: Well, how can I not take a BB for that? I'd heard of that one but hadn't read a review. Thanks!

Eyes of the Void - Adrian Tchaikovsky
Series: Final Architecture #2
Audiobook - Reader : Sophie Aldred
Pages: 608
Challenges:

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 9
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment: 9
Rating: 4 💙

Second book in the Final Architect trilogy. Aliens abound, odd altered humans, tech advances, all converge to try to understand aliens who destroy human worlds and convert them into art, incidentally killing everyone and the planets. Why?

18.

Believing the Lie - Elizabeth George - 624 pages

Challenges:
ROOT
BFB
Focus Mystery
Bookspin

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 9
• Writing Style: 9
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment: 9
Rating: 4.5 💙

Another intriguing and confusing addition to the series. Confusing, in a good way, as you're never sure what will happen next. Lots of character development for Lynly and Havers as well.

19.

Europe in Autumn - Dave Hutchinson
Pages: 416
Challenges:
ROOT
Alpha
Focus Alt History

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7
• Atmosphere/Setting: 7
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 7
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

This was a very strange book. Alt History, with Europe divided into many tiny states, and our hero a courier who crosses all the guarded boundaries to deliver people and things across borders. But there is another level of reality he's only so far gotten a glimpse of.

February Wrap Up


Reading a bit slow this month. Hoping to finish one more today, but it'll be close.

I was disappointed with The Essex Serpent but surprised at how much I liked Starling House as I'm not much of a horror fan.

>85 majkia: I'm not a horror fan either, but I'm intrigued by Starling House. Not too scary, I hope?

>86 christina_reads: No, I didn't find it very scary, and not a bloody tale, either. Characterization was great.

>87 majkia: Good to know! I'll keep it on my list.

20.

Fallen Dragon - Peter F Hamilton

Audio - Reader: John Lee
Pages:832
Challenges: ROOT, BFB, SFFKIT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7
• Atmosphere/Setting: 7
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

Not my favorite Hamilton but a good read nonetheless. Aliens!

21.

Run - Blake Crouch
Series: Fear #1

Pages: 288
Challenges: ROOT, AlphaKIT, Roll100

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 8
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 7
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment: 8
Rating: 4 💙

Wow. This was amazingly unputdownable. Horror, and lots of blood as a family tries to find safety and live through this nightmare.

22.

The Rings of Haven - Ryk Brown - 240 pages
Series: Frontier Saga #2

Challenges: ROOT, Focus, AlphaKIT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 6
• Atmosphere/Setting: 5
• Writing Style: 6
• Plot: 5
• Intrigue: 5
• Logic/Relationships:5
• Enjoyment: 6
Rating: 3 💙

I didn't enjoy this episode as much as I did episode one. This takes place on planet so maybe that's why. Hopefully the next book will be better.

23.

Slow Horses - Mick Herron
Series: Slough House #1
Pages: 325
Audiobook read by:

Challenges:
ReadYourEbooks
AlphaKIT
Focus Mystery
Roll100

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue: 9
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment: 9
Rating: 4 💙

Failed spies get sent to Slough House in the hope, I suppose, of getting bored enough to quit. Lamb, their leader, is enigmatic, surly and gives no quarter. Cartwright, one of the slow horses assigned to Lamb, is quite certain he was set up to fail, he just can't figure out who did it. Then comes a kid kidnapped and threatened with beheading. Even the slow horses want to get in on the action.

Very character driven and every one of them is well drawn. The action is compelling and the secrets and lies abound. Eager to get to the follow on in the series.

>92 majkia: - I just started this. Only about 30 pages in so far.

24. 24.

Argylle - Elly Conway
pages: 352
Audio read by: Dakota Blue Richards

Challenges:
Library Book

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 5
• Atmosphere/Setting: 5
• Writing Style: 6
• Plot: 5
• Intrigue: 6
• Logic/Relationships: 5
• Enjoyment: 5
Rating: 3 💙

For some reason I never really clicked into this book. It wasn't badly written, the characters were pretty well fleshed out, there was lots of action, but it never really engaged me as I like to be engaged. Oh well.

25.

Babel - R F kuang
Audiobook read by: Hoi/Fulford-Brown
Pages:560

Challenges:
AlphaKIT
TBR
BFB

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

I enjoyed this at times, got frustrated with it at times, but persevered to the end. Imaginative, but heavy handed at certain points.

26.
The Mitford Murders - Jessica Fellows
Ebook and Audiobook - Reader: Rachel Atkins
Pages: 338
Challenges:
Roll100
ROOT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7
• Atmosphere/Setting: 7
• Writing Style: 7
• Plot: 6
• Intrigue: 7
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

An okay murder with interesting setting and characters. Looks like book 2 got better reviews. I might check book 2 out also.

27

Heaven's River - Dennis E Taylor
Audio - Reader: Ray Porter
Pages: 640
Challenges:
AlphaKIT, BFB, ROOT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 8
• Atmosphere/Setting:8
• Writing Style:8
• Plot:8
• Intrigue:7
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 8
Rating: 4 💙

I love the characters of the Bobiverse. This book seemed to drag a bit as our heroes traveled through a huge structure, but the comedic element was, as usual for these books, front and center. And geeky and nerdy to the max.

28.

Zoo Station - David Downing
Series: John Russell #1
Audio - Reader: Simon Prebble
Pages: 293
Challenges: ROOT, Focus Series, AlphaKIT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

The book is set mostly in Berlin as Hitler begins his plans to declare war. John, a British journalist with a German son, wants to remain in Germany, even though he sees what's coming. He blunders his way into a world of spies as he tries to help friends.

29.

A Little Hatred - Joe Abercrombie
Series: Age of Madness #1


Audio Reader: Steven Pacey
Pages: 480
Challenges:
Roll100
Focus SFF series
ROOT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 8
• Atmosphere/Setting: 7
• Writing Style: 7
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue:
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

Grimdark series with betrayal, hatred, black humor, and a ton of flawed characters. The black humor is the draw for me.

>95 majkia: I enjoyed Babel even though I normally don't read SFF and went on to read Yellowface, which is completely different and worth a try.

30.
The Marlow Murder Club - Robert Thorogood
Series: Marlow Murder Club - #1
Audio - Reader: Nickolette McKenzie
Pages: 480
Challenges: ROOT, TBR Challenge, AlphaKIT, Doublespin

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 6
• Atmosphere/Setting: 7
• Writing Style: 7
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 7
Rating: 3.5 💙

Similar to The THursday Murder Club series, but not as good, since not so much emphasis on the main characters. More centered on the mystery, which was good.

>100 pamelad: Yeah, I've been thinking about Yellowface. One of these days...

Really like Zoo Station, and all the rest in the 'series'.

>103 mysterymax: I plan to continue the series so glad to hear that.

31.

Abaddon's Gate - James S A Corey
Audio - Reader: Jefferson Mays
Pages: 566
Challenges: BFB, ROOT, Focus SciFi

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 9
• Writing Style: 9
• Plot: 9
• Intrigue: 9
• Logic/Relationships: 9
• Enjoyment: 9
Rating: 5 💙

Just as compelling as the first time I read it. I did find the differences between the TV version and the book interesting. The changes made sense, especially Drummer for Bull. Great series, great book.

32.

Limelight - Dan Willis
Series: Arcane Casebook #5
Pages: 335

Challenges: ROOT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 7
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 7
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 8
• Enjoyment:
Rating: 3.75 💙

I'm really enjoying this series. Alex is likeable and his friends are as well, not to mention odd and intriguing. The incidents are imaginative and complex. This one in particular, really opens up wide new horizons. I'm eager to see where they lead.

33.

The Rift - Walter Jon Williams - 944 pages
Audio - Reader: Kevin Kenerly
Pages: 944
Challenges: Roll100, BFB

CAWPILE Rating: 8
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 9
• Enjoyment: 8
Rating: 4.0 💙

Wow. Quite the tale. Sadly all to possible in the south, especially given the current political climate here.

34.

Audio - Reader: Steve West
Pages: 320
Challenges: ROOT
Focus Mystery

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 9
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style: 8
• Plot: 8
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 9
• Enjoyment: 9
Rating: 4.25 💙

Love Jury and Melrose's friendship, and Jury is such a sweetheart, odd for detectives. He's sweet and kind.

35.

A Storm of Swords - George R R Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #3
Audio- Reader: Roy Dotrice
Pages: 1216

Challenges: ROOT, Reading Westeros, BFB

As entertaining as the first time I read it. Intricate, surprising, complex and terrific characters.

36.

Sing the Four Quarters - Tanya Huff
Series: Quarters 1
Pages 416
Audio - Reader: Nicol Zanzarella

Challenges: ROOT, ReadYourKindle,

3 💙

I've liked Tanya Huff sci fi but never really connected with the characters in this one. Meh.

37.

The Lords of Uncreation - Adrian Tchaikovsky
Series: The Final Architecture - Book 3 final
PAges: 625

Challenges: Focus SciFi, ROOT, BFB, Bookspin

Wow. Good wrap up for the series. The VUlture God crew is on the run from the Architects and from the creature(alien, whatever) that is making them attack and alter planets with intelligent life forms. What do they want? What can stop them?

I love the characters, who are exceedingly diverse. The story is imaginative, full of humor even in the face of terror. Brightly written, with great visuals throughout.

38.
The Tourist - Olen Steinhauer

Series: Milo Weaver 1
Pages: 417
Challenges: SeriesLove24, AlphaKIT, ROOT

Meh. I never really clicked with the character. Won't be continuing the series. It did have a good twist or two, though.

39.

The Captain (Last Horizon- Will Wight
Series: Last Horizon 1

DNF

Ugh. All this is is a narrative of a guy playing a video game. No consequences, as he dies and just reappears.

40.
The Oppenheimer Alternative - Robert J Sawyer
Pages: 375

Challenges:AlphaKIT, TBR Challenge

Wow. Starts slow, and I don't know enough about Oppie to know how true the first part of the book is, but it was certainly interesting. The second half is where the sci fi comes in. Surprising ending! When all looks lost, science steps up.

41.
The City of Endless Night - Preston/Child
Series: Agent Pendergast #17

Challenges: Roll100, Library Book

I do enjoy this series. Quick reads with lots of twists and turns. Just a touch of horror.

42.
Too Like the Lightning - Ada Palmer
Series: Terra Ignota #1

Challenges: Roll100, ROOT

Complex, futuristic world filled with interacting characters whose motives are hard to understand. The narrator is admitedly unreliable. A tiny bit of magic, the rest is futuristic and surprising. No nations left, religion rejected, morality left to self-chosen groups who all have differing ideas. A hard read, but a deeply intriguing one.

43.

Probability Moon - Nancy Kress
Series: Probability #1

Challenges: AlphaKIT, ROOT, Roll100, Focus SciFi

Hard SciFi which actually forced me to look up some science stuff I wasn't really conversant with. I love when that happens! Terrans arrive on an alien world to study the locals (who are apparently an offshoot of Earth Humans seeded by unkown ancestors who created tunnels to travel across through the galaxy as well). Unkown to the scientists on the ground, the ship that brought them is here to investigate an alien object that the locals think is just another moon orbiting their planet.

Quite interesting ideas, involving physics and earth science and sociology. I'm looking forward to more in the series.

44.

Dead Lions - Mick Herron
Series: Slough House #2

Challenges: Focus, ROOT, Backlist Readathon, Roll100

I'm really enjoying the series. Well written, fascinating characters, particularly Lamb, and lots of excitement with twists and turns.

45.

Prador Moon - Neal Asher
Series: Polity 1

Challenges: AlphaKIT, ROOT, Focus SciFi, ReadYourKindle

Disappointing. Nothing wrong with it, but it never really drew me in.

46.

Snowbound - Blake Crouch
Series: Fear 2

Challenges: ROOT, Roll100, Bookspin, Focus Series

Lots of action, no idea who is up to what.

47.

Diving Into the Wreck - K K Rusch
Series: Diving Universe 1

Challenges: Focus SCiFi, SFFKIT, Roll100

Interesting start to a series. Pilots searching for lost tech and ancient artifacts. Beware of what you wish for.

48.

Primary Inversion- Catherine Asaro
Series: Skolian Empire
Audio: Read by Anna Fields

A little too romancy for my tastes but I'm sure others will enjoy it. Good story other than the falling in love with one glance part.

49.

The Gray Man - Mark Greaney
Series: The Gray Man 1
Pages: 456

welp, it certainly was all action and tension, but it was hard to believe someone could take that many wounds and survive never mind manage to save his friends.

Still, I'll probably read more in the series.

50.

Dead Energy - James M Corkill
Series: Alex Cave 1
DNF

I put up with the awfulness of tense. Often, in the same sentence he'd use present tense and past tense. But when the women began throwing themselves at his hero, I hated it. Yet I kept on because I was interested in the ideas, but when even the intelligent women became helpless I'd had enough. Too bad because the sci fi aspects were intriguing.

51.

The Worst Ship in the Fleet - Sylar Ramirez
Series: Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes 1

A surprisingly fun read! Brad is a f-ckup. He blames himself for killing 500 people in ship he fired on, and is dealing with the grief and guilt by drowning himself in alcohol. That his court martial didn't find him guilty makes it worse for him. He hasn't been thrown out of the Prometheus Navy, instead he's assigned to the worst ship in the fleet stationed on the furthest planet in the empire. He's fine with that. But then things go from bad to worse. And he accidentally does the right thing.

It was a fun and easy read. I'm going to continue the series simply because I like a light book now and again!

>125 majkia: The series title is a great enticement!

>126 MissWatson: LOL. too true.

52.

Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead - K J Parker
Series: Corax Trilogy 1

There's no formal training for battlefield salvage. You just have to pick things up as you go along. Swords, armour, arrows - and the bodies, of course.

So the series begins. But just who is Saevus Corax really?

I love love love Parker's black humor and his deeply flawed and twisty characters. Things are never quite what they seem in his books. So be ready for a surpising ride.

>128 majkia: Ooohh! A new series?! I think I want this. And I really need to get to A practical guide to conquering the world this month.

>129 MissWatson: If you like the siege trilogy definitely!

53.

Starfish - Peter Watts
Series: Rifters #1
Challenges: ReadYourKindle, AlphaKIT

Peter Watts' books are always a challenge. This was no exception. I feel like I need to re-read it soonish.

People are being physically altered to work in the deep ocean to provide power to the world. Thing don't go as planned.

54.

Edges (Frontier) - Linda Nagata
Series: Frontier #1
Challenges: Focus, ROOT, ReadYourKindle

Hmm. I wasn't really drawn into this one as I like to be. And I got a bit confused with all the variants of the characters.

55.
Blood Gospel - James Rollins - 732 pages
Series #1 Blood of the Sanguines

Okay, but not as good as the Sigma Series.

>131 majkia: The one book I've read by Watts was good so this might be interesting.

56.

A Feast for Crows - George R R Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire #4

Still awed at this series. Although truth be told this is my least favorite of the series because there is so little on the Wall.

57.

Verses for the Dead - Preston/Child
Pendergast #18

Good entry to the series, with Pendergast this time having a partner. Complex as always.

58.

The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
Series: Thursday Next #1

Fun series, even if I'm not particularly a Jane Eyre fan. I especially laughed ever time Braxton Hicks made an appearance. And I only wish there'd been more dodos.

59.

Just One Evil Act - Elizabeth George
Lynley and Havers #18
pages: 723

Havers gets herself into so much trouble - okay, as usual. Lynely does his best to help but since Barbara's friends are involved she's far off the rails.

60.

The Maleficent Seven - Cameron Johnston

Challenges: ROOT, AlphaKIT, SFFKIT, RandomKIT

Bad guys reveling in being bad guys. Gore and murder aplenty. Lots of grim humor and I loved Tierenach and the Vampire Lord.

61.

The Legend of Corinair - Ryk Brown
Series: Frontier Saga #3

Quick read with lots of space battles. Not unlike Jack Campbell.

62.
A History of What Comes Next - Sylvain Neuvel
Series: Take Them to the Stars #1

Not at all what I expected but interesting for sure. Who exactly are they, leading Earthers to the stars? Reliving the rise of the space program felt very personal.

63.

The List (Slough House) - Mick Herron
Series: Slough House #2.5

Quick read. Novella about spycraft.

64.
Lavinia Urusla K LeGuin

Beautifully written but I didn't really enjoy it that much, sadly.

65.
Stormwarden - Janny Wurts

Janny is so very good at painting a scene and then delving into a characters deepest thoughts and fears. I really enjoyed this and will be eager to get to the next in the trilogy.

Cibola Burn - James S A Corey
Series: The Expanse #4

Excellent, even on re-read. I am just blown away by this series.

67.
Persephone Station - Stina Leicht

This was okay, but I never really got drawn into it. Maybe it was the woman reading it as I listened to the audio.

68.

Agent to the Stars - John Scalzi

Wow. Funny yet quite philosophical and moving at times. I really enjoyed it. First contact done right!

>147 majkia: I have yet to read any Scalzi, but this one sounds interesting!

>147 majkia: The Scalzi sounds good. I’ve liked everything I’ve read by him.

>147 majkia: Sci-fi doesn't usually reach my wishlist but this one sounds good. I'm taking a BB.

69.

Chaos Terminal Mur Lafferty
Series: Midsolar Murders #2

Chaotic for sure, with aliens galore, murders and old friends refinding each other. The aliens are mostly a hoot.

70.
Noumenon - Marina J. Lostetter

A Gen Ship, populated by clones, goes on a many centuries expedition to locate a construct far out in space. The story is told in Vignettes as the years pass. Interesting and well written novel.

71.
Summertide - Charles Sheffield
Series: Stellar Heritage 1

Hard SciFi focused on a doublet planet system which is going into a once in several thousand year close approach. What will happen? Especially with the alien atrifact that ties the two planets together?

Interesting and enjoyable, with focus on the planetary science.

72.

Luna: New Moon - Ian McDonald
Series: Luna #1
Read By: Multiple folks

This is a re-read so I can finish off the trilogy. A bit too much focus on sex, but otherwise a good read.

73.
Finder - Suzanne Palmer
Series: The Finder Chronicles #1

I really enjoyed this story of a Repo man after a stolen starship, and his encounters with other humans and aliens and of course bad guys. Eager to read more.

74.

Silesian Station David Downing
Series: John Russell #2

An English/American journalist experiences the beginnings of WWII in Hilter's Berlin. Quite scary given current events.

75.

Last Dragon Standing - Rachel Aaron
Series: Heartstrikers #5

Nice wrapup to the series. I'll miss Julius, Marcie and Bob and his pigeon.

76.

Consider Phlebas - Ian M Banks

This is a re-read (well first listen) so I can revisit the series. I love the drones.

77.
Keeper of the Keys - Janny Wurts
Series: Cycle of Fire #2

Beautifully written if a bit too much sailing rhetoric. I love the characters and am eager to see if our hero and heroine manage to save Kiethmark from the demons.

78.

Nemesis Games - James S A Corey
Series: The Expanse #5

Best one so far. Such a great series.

79.

Real Tigers - Mick Herron
Series: Slough House #3

I do enjoy this series. Great characterization and lots of action.

80.

Driving the Deep - Suzanne Palmer
Series: Finder #2
Audio read by Paul Woodson

Enjoying this madcap repo man series.

81.

The Murder of Mr Wickham - Claudia Gray
First in Series: Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney

Cute, with all the main characters from Austen's books in one place.

82.

A Blunt Instrument - Georgette Heyer

Hannyside and Hemingway search for a murderer who had only minutes to complete his task. Who could have done it?

I enjoy the reparte of the suspects most in her mysteries.

>164 majkia: Agree, the suspects are the most fun part of Heyer's mysteries; usually the plots themselves aren't that great, though I did like the solution to this one!

83.

Luna: Wolf Moon - Ian McDonald
Series: Luna Trilogy #2

Wild west Luna. Battling dynasties. Sort of Westeros reimagined.

84. The Worst Spies in the Sector - Sylar Ramirez
Series: Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #2

This is a fun series. I really like the characters but hope the female lead gets more chances to shine.

85.

Jerusalem Inn - Martha Grimes
Series: RIchard Jury #5

I love this cozy series, especially when set in the winter. I also adore how Jury and Plant are always interacting with the children who always seem drawn to them.

86.

The Blighted Stars - Megan E. O'Keefe
Series: Devoured Worlds #1
Audio edition.

Some truly amazing ideas in this book, (one, 'printing your consciousness into a new body when needed' ) with a great plot and complex characters who you aren't sure are the good guys or the bad guys. Turns out, maybe they aren't who they think they are, or at least their minds might not be their own.

87.
How To Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying - Django Wexler
Series: Dark Lord #1

Comedic take on a woman stuck in a time loop who's trying to survive long enough to become the Dark Lord. Cute, irreverent, gory. Sort of D&D reimagined.

A Dance with Dragons - George R R Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire 5

I'd forgotten now different the ending of this book was from the HBO series. Other differences as well, but the worst cliffhangers. Sigh... Never gonna get the rest.

89.

Shadowfane - Janny wurts
Series: Cycle of Fire #3

Final entry to the trilogy. Science fantasy, beautifully written but I will admit the book seemed to last forever, with twists and turns toward the end. Enjoyed it nonetheless.

90.
Columbus Day - Craig Alanson
Series: Expeditionary Force #1

This is a re-read so I can read more of the series. I enjoy the humor and the action, and especially Skippy, an alien AI who helps Earth deal with invaders.

91.

A Better Man - Louise Penny
Series: Gamache 15

A surprisingly twisty addition to the series. Always enjoy them.

92.
Luna: Moon Rising - Ian McDonald
Series: Luna Trilogy #3

Dynastic shenanigans on the moon dominate the trilogy. Cuthroat politics (with actual cut throats) and no quarter given. Good wrap up to a wildly imaginative view of what might happen if we colonize the moon. Naturally, the poor folks do the suffering.

93.

Spook Street Mick Herron
Series: Slough House #4

This is currently my favorite series. It is really unputdownable for me. The characters and action are terrific. I'm listening to the audio version and I love it.

94.
The Corpse Bridge - Stephen Booth
Series: Cooper & Fry #14

I love how much this series utilizes the setting and the old traditions and beliefs of the area. Another good entry to the series.

95.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars - Christopher Paolini
Series: Fractalverse #1

Immersive, beautifully written, complex space opera. Imaginative world building makes it more than mere space opera. Looking forward to book 2.

96.

Void (Far Reaches) - Veronica Roth
Far Reaches #2

Meh, space mystery. Not very impressed.

97.

The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Nghi Vo

I do get tired of fantasy worlds where women are still treated like crap. Can't we imagine something different?

98.

Stettin Station David Downing
Series: John Russell #3

Most exciting so far in this spy behind the lines in Hitler's Berlin series. Great characters you can cheer for even as you are horrified by what is happing in the world around them.

99.

The Art of Prophecy - Wesley Chu
Series: War Arts 1

Sword and sorcery fantasy which turns prophecy on its head. Interesting but I probably won't continue the series.

100.

City of Ruins - K K Rusch
Sieres: Diving Universe #2

A team that 'dives' wrecked alien starships goes to a planet in search of alien tech. What they find is a surprise even for them. Now how to save the tech from being used agaiinst their own people.

I love archaeology in space, so this hits all my happy places.

101.

All Systems Red - Martha Wells

This is a re-read for me. I wanted to revisit the series from the beginning. And so very glad I did! It is still a breath of fresh air and light and lively.

102.

The Librarian of Crooked Lane - C J Archer
Series: Glass Library 1

Okay light SFF mixing magic in with historical fiction. Set after WWI. Interesting magics, a little too romancy for me, but I'll read at least the second book.

>185 majkia: This sounds up my alley for sure! Not a BB, only because I already had it on my TBR list. :)

>185 majkia: I read this book and enjoyed it too.

103.

The Life of Elves - Muriel Barbery
I really wanted to like this. It is beautifully written, but nothing ever seems to happen. I finally decided to DNF at about the half-way point.

104.

Victim 2117 - Jussi Adler-Olsen
Series: Department Q #8

Wow, darker than usual with Assad's past turning up to torture him. Also, a crazy kid wielding a sword. As usual, all about the characters and how they deal with the events.

Great Series.

105.
A Banquet of Consequences - Elizabeth George
Series: Lynley/Havers #19

As usual, complex with deep character studies of all suspects. Lynley and Havers growing and changing too. That's why I so enjoy this series. Consequences indeed.

106.

The Downloaded - Robert J. Sawyer

People whose consciousnesses were uploaded into a computer matrix and downloaded not to find the world they expected but instead a ruined Earth. Few options, and what to do next.

Interesting concept but this was a damatized version and I really don't like them much, alas. I'd have prefered a regular audio version.

>156 majkia: & >181 majkia: I enjoyed David Downing's books a lot. Too bad my library doesn't have all of them.

>161 majkia: & >176 majkia: My favourite series too!

>189 majkia: I loved Adler-Olsen's first in the series but the second was so dark and violent I've been hesitant on continuing. Your description of "darker than usual" means this one gets a pass.

107.

The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe - Skyler Ramirez
Series: Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes #3

Fun, light series that is entertaining. I do enjoy the humor and the candor of our not so heroic lead.

108
Book of Night - Holly Black
Series: Book of Night #1

The shadow magic is certainly different and interesting. I enjoyed the last part of the book far more than the first. And I liked Vince more than Charlie. Probably won't continue the series.

109.

The Fractured Void - Tim Pratt
Series: Twilight Imperium #1
Audio version

When a scientist claims to have invented a machine that will create wormholes at the touch of a button, three different political systems send operatives to retrieve the device and the scientist. Mayhem, betrayals, unexpected alliances and murder happens as they vie to control this incredible device.

Interesting and fun, with lots of humor amidst the mayhem.

110.

A Foreign Country - Charles Cumming
Series: Thomas Kell

A spy has been sent into the cold because of a blown op. When the new head of MI6 ends up the target of a foreign op, Kell gets a chance to redeem himself.

Lots of action and twists and turns. I enjoyed the book and will definitely read more from Cumming.

111.

The Mist in the Mirror - Susan Hill
Far more atmospheric than frightening. Old school ghost story.

112.

A House With Good Bones - T Kingfisher

Not my favorite of hers but interesting nonetheless. A bit of horror but with cool vultures. Oh, and Lady Bugs.

113.

The Deep Sky - Yume Kitasei

Good ideas and nicely written, but I never really got drawn in.

114.

Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo

Okay read but I'm just not into this sort of book. Not a horror fan. I also kept thinking it copied a movie I'd seen about Skull and Bones (which I also didn't really enjoy very much).

115.

Roadkill - Dennis E. Taylor
What happens when you runover an alien? He was invisible, so there is that. But still...

Fun story, lots of humor and nerdy commentary. Great fun read.

116.

The Seventh Bride - T Kingfisher

A young girl is swept up by an evil sorceror. She, and her friend the hedgehog, are determined to get away from him and save the other women's he's ensorcelled.

Enjoyable and surprising at times.

117.

The Mercy of Gods - James S A Corey

Like The Expanse, in that the authors go indepth into the emotions and fears and hopes of the characters. Unlike the Expanse, this is humanity subjugated to powerful aliens they cannot understand, and who aren't prone to explain things to the humans. Instead, humanity is but one more subjugated species amongst a huge range of intelligent creatures who are told they must be useful to the ruling aliens or their entire species will be destroyed.

There is one hidden spy among the humans, a tiny hope, the spy is hiding inside one human. Can it find a way to reach out and send it's data to it's own species, or will it reveal itself and be destroyed.

Deeply disturbing in its brutality, but also revealing of determination and hope in the face of the unknown and fear.

118.

Ariadne - Jennifer Saint - DNF at 3/4th the way through.

I need to stop trying to read these retellings. I find them depressing reminders of how women were considered so inconsequential in the past.

Nicely written but not for me at this time. Maybe never.

119.
Blood Relation - Dan Willis
Series: Arcane Casebook #6

Continue to enjoy this cozy SFF. Interesting characters and some really imaginative magical rules and reveals.

>204 majkia: that one didn't score highly for me either. There are better example out there.

120.

Light Chaser Peter F Hamilton and Gareth L Powell

Sci fi adventure with a character who is virtually immortal, an AI incredibly powerful and a backdrop of a static universe that seems to have stopped evolving. Is there something behind that? Love might even prevail.

121.

A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia - Clara Benson

Cozy mystery featuring a bunch of well to do characters who aren't really big on brains. I needed something light and I got it.

122.

Event - David L Golemon
Series: Event Group #1

Another version of the 1947 event at Roswell, NM. Aliens return and things get crazy. First half of book is fairly slow but interesting. If you like action, that starts about half way through, once we learn the specifics of the group, their competition and the aliens.

123.
LIttle Fuzzy - H Beam Piper

Fun little story of first contact. Hopeful and kind.

124.

We Solve Murders - Richard Osman
Series: We Solve Murders #1

You know, I really don't much care about the plots (although they are pretty good) in his books, I'm too busy enjoying the characters who are always quirky, complex and funny in one way or another.

Looking forward to book 2!

>211 majkia: - I'm somewhere in the middle of this right now and wondering how many characters will continue into future books.

125.
Stormbreaker - Alex Horowitz
Series: Alex Rider 1

Fun little spy story. A 14 year old is recruited by MI6 to find out why someone killed his uncle. Lots of action, not quite unbelievable, and entertaining." />
Stormbreaker - Alex Horowitz
Series: Alex Rider 1

Fun little spy story. A 14 year old is recruited by MI6 to find out why someone killed his uncle. Lots of action, not quite unbelievable, and entertaining.

126.

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
Murderbot 2

Just as much fun on reread as it was originally. Well, actually maybe more fun since I know more about our hero.

>214 majkia: One of my favorites in the Murderbot series!

127.
Black Out - John Lawton
Series: Fredrick Troy 1

Ugh. I read 200 pages of this even though the main character made me uncomfortable in how he treated women. After he broke a woman through horrible interrogation then took her to bed that was more than I could stand.

DNF

128.
Babylon's Ashes - James S A Corey
Series: The Expanse #6
Probably my favorite of the series. Lots of space action, lots of impressive ideas and science, great characters.

129. London Rules - Mick Herron
Series: Slough House 5

Another entertainly black humored book about how screw ups try to save the world, whilst the so called adults make things even worse. I love this series! The characters are so terrific.

130. A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder - Dianne Freeman
Series: Countess of Harleigh 1

Okay cozy. Easy pleasant read.

131.

Artifact Space - Miles Cameron
Series: Arcana Imperii 1

Great ships are being killed. An orphan, just out of school is assigned to a great ship and she travels out into the black to find her future, see aliens and find a way to reinstate herself as head of her family.

Enjoyable space battles, lots of tech and science which I love. Aliens are, uhm, alien, and the secret behind the attacked Great Ships becomes even muddier.

132.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan
Series: Celestial Kingdom 1

I keep getting these books because of the gorgeous covers and I'm generally disappointed in the book itself. It was okay, and I finished it. Not enough dragons to keep me really interested though,.

>221 majkia: - When this loaded to my screen, I was going to comment on how much I liked the cover before I even saw your comment.

>222 dudes22: I know, right?

133.
Help the Poor Struggler Martha Grimes
Series: Richard Jury #6

Jury and his pal Melrose Plant are just such nice and wholesome characters. Jury is kind and understanding rather than judgemental as he investigates murders. These murders are particularly horrid as they involve young children. Jury still manages not to hate the murderer but rather seeks to understand and help those harmed and suffering.

134.

Fuzzy Nation - John Scalzi

A version of Little Fuzzy that goes into more detail and covers the aftermath of the Fuzzy intro to humans.

The first half was slow and a bit too like the orignial. Second half was much better.

135.

Death and Judgement - Donna Leon
Series: Commissario Brunetti #4

The strength of this series is in the details on Venice. Personal, police wise, and general ways of seeing the world and living there.

136.

Bright Young Dead - Jessica Fellowes
Series: Mitford Murders #2

I really wanted to like this series, but I find the bright young things tiresome and boring. I finished it, but this will be the last of the series I read.

137.

Freedom's Dawn - Ryk Brown
Series: Frontier Saga #4

Space battles, spies, betrayals and desperate action. Okay series, but not as good as some other space opera.

138.

Quantico - Greg Bear

I listened to an hour and a half or so of this and it is definitely not something I'm interested in. I disliked every character in it so far.

DNF

139.

Death of a Busybody - George Bellairs
Inspector Litteljohn Mysteries

Fun stroll through old England during the war, as a nosy Parker, who harrasses the people of her village about their sinful ways, is found dead, face down in a cess pool. Littlejohn meets eccentric character after eccentric character in search of the killer.

140.

The Medici Manuscript - C J Archer
Series: The Glass Library #2

Enjoyable series set during the 20s, with a bit more romance than I generally like but at least it doesn't take away from the story. Will probably continue the series.

141.

The Venetian Affair - Helen MacInnes
Solid, well written spy story from the Cold War. Characters are nicely wrought, and the story moves along smartly, especially in the last third of the tale.

142.

The Stardust Grail - Yume Kitasei

Interesting quest space opera with really alien aliens and nicely drawn characters. I enjoyed her imaginative retelling.

>232 majkia: I really want to read some more Helen MacInnes! I enjoyed Assignment in Brittany a lot but have yet to try more of her work.

143.

The Guinevere Deception - Kiersten White
Series: Camelot Rising #1

Fun re-interpretation of the Camelot myth. Strong female characters, a quirky plot, and nicely written. I'm planning to continue the series.

>234 christina_reads: I read several of hers many many moons ago and have been meaning to circle back to her. I have several others of hers I plan to get to soonish.

144.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone - Benjamin Stevenson
Series: Ernest #1

What a fun book! Imaginative, lots of dark humor, and lots of fair play. I love the narrator talking to us, giving us clues and hints. I love the twists and turns. Mystery fans, the prologue sets up the book, and adheres to the rules of the murder mystery from the golden age.

I listened to the audio book and I think that's probably best for this book.

145.

Boneyards - K K Rusch
Series: Diving Universe #3

This series hits most of my special interests. Intriguing alien tech, surprising characters, twists and turns. This book was a bit confusing for me though, because they were jumping back and forth too much in different timelines. Still, happily continuing the series.

146.
Shatter the Bones - Stuart MacBride -
Series: Logan McCrae 7

Scottish noir, and this one is definitely noir. Very grim but still the black humor is there front and center.

>225 majkia: Fuzzy Nation is one of the few Scalzi novels I've not read yet. I should get to it sometime. I really enjoyed his most recent works, especially Starter Villain.

>240 mathgirl40: He's a must read for me. I haven't gotten to a couple of his older works but his recent ones have been terrific. I love his style and imagination and his tendency to play with assumptions.

147.

To Ride Hell's Chasm - Janny Wurts

Written beautifully of course but it is a DNF for me because I can't stand books where animals die. Kill as many humans as you like, but knock off the dogs, cats or horses and I'm outta here

I did read 88 percent of it, struggling because of above.

148.

Deep Black - Miles Cameron
Series: Arcana Imperii 2

Complex and exciting series about great ships plying trade among the stars. A conspiracy must be exposed and defeated.

Strong characterization, twisty plot, fascinating aliens and a magnificent AI.

Wishing you a happy, healthy new year with excellent reading!