Majkia Excavates Her Mountain

Hi Everyone! Back for more. Because, of course, I'm always aquiring more. Sigh
Good luck everone!

January

1. A Clash of Kings - George RR Martin - 768 pages
2. York: The Shadow Cipher - Laura Ruby - 496 pages
3. Daggerspell (Deverry) - Katharine Kerr - 483 pages
4. Legends and Lattes - Travis Baldree - 304 pages
5. A Memory Called Empire - Arkady Martine
6. Naked In Death J D Robb - DNF
7. A Desolation Called Peace - Arkady Martine - 496 pages
8. The Anodyne Necklace - Martha Grimes - 304 pages
9. Vienna at Nightfall - Richard WAke - 308 pages
10. Mort - Terry Pratchett - 243 pages
11. Shards of the Earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky - 560 pages

February
12. The Essex Serpent - Sarah Perry - 464 pages
13. Dead and Buried - Stephen Booth - 432 pages
14. Eyes of the Void - Adrian Tchaikovsky - 608 pages
15. Eversion - Alastair Reynolds - 352 pages
16. Believing the Lie - Elizabeth George - 624 pages
17. Europe in Autumn - Dave Hutchinson - 416 pages

March
18. Fallen Dragon - Peter F Hamilton - 832 pages
19. Run - Blake Crouch- pages 288
20. The Rings of Haven - Ryk Brown - 240 pages
21. Slow Horses - Mick Herron - 325 pages
22. Babel - R F Kuang - 560 pages
23. The Mitford Murders - Jessica Fellowes - 338 pages
24. Heaven's River - Dennis E Taylor - 640 pages
25. Zoo Station - David Downing - 293 pages
26. A LIttle Hatred - Joe Abercrombie - 480 pages
27. The Marlow Murder Club - Robert Thorogood - 480 pages
28. Abaddon's Gate - James S A Corey - 566 Pages

April
29. Limelight - Dan Willis
30. The Dirty Duck - Martha Grimes
31. A Storm of Swords - George R R Martin
32. Sing the Four Quarters - Tanya Huff
33. The Lords of Uncreation - Adrian Tchaikovsky PAges: 625
34. The Tourist - Oleg Steinhauer
35. The Captain (Last Horizon) - Will Wight
36. The Oppenheimer Alternative - Robert J. Sawyer

May
37. Too Like the Lightning - Ada Palmer
38. Probability Moon - Nancy Kress
39. Dead Lions - Mick Herron
40. Prador Moon - Neal Asher
41. Snowbound - Blake Crouch
42. Diving into the Wreck - K K Rusch
43. Primary Inversion- Catherine Asaro
44. The Gray Man - Mark Greaney
45. Dead Energy - James M Corkill DNF
46. The Worst Ship in the Fleet - Skyler Ramirez
47. Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead - K J Parker
48. Starfish - Peter Watts
49. Edges (Frontier) - Linda Nagata

June
50. A Feast for Crows - GRRM
51. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
52. The Maleficent Seven - Cameron Johnston
53. The Legend of Corinair - Ryk Brown
54. A History of What Comes Next - Sylvain Neuvel
55. The List (Slough House) - Mick Herron
56. Lavinia - Ursula K Le Guin
57. Stormwarden - Janny Wurts
58. Cibola Burn - James S A Corey

July
59. Persephone Station - Stine Leicht
60. Agent to the Stars - John Scalzi
61. Chaos Terminal - Mur Lafferty
62. Noumenon - Marina J Lostetter
63. Summertide - Charles Sheffield
64. Luna: New Moon - Ian McDonald
65. Finder - Suzanne Palmer
--------------WOOT - Now Extras
66. Silesian Station - David Downing
67. Last Dragon Standing - Rachel Aaron
68. Consider Phlebas - Ian M Banks
69. Keeper of the Keys - Janny Wurts

August
70. Nemesis Games - James S A Corey
71. Real Tigers - Mick Herron
72. Driving the Deep - Suzanne Palmer
73. A Blunt Instrument - Georgette Heyer
74. Luna: Wolf Moon - Ian McDonald
75. Jerusalem Inn - Martha Grimes
76. The Blighted Stars - Megan E. O'Keefe
77. How To Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying - Django Wexler
78. A Dance With Dragons - George R R Martin
79. Shadowfane - Janny Wurts
80. Columbus Day - Craig Alanson

September
81. Luna: Moon Rising - Ian McDonald
82. Spook Street - Mick Herron
83. The Corpse Bridge - Stephen Booth
84. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars - Christopher Paolini
85. Void (Far Reaches) - Veronica Roth
86. The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Nghi Vo
87. Stettin Station - David Downing
88. The Art of Prophecy - Wesley Chu
89. City of Ruins - K K Rusch
90. All Systems Red - Martha Wells
91. The Librarian of Crooked Lane - C J Archer
92. The Life of Elves - Muriel Barnbery
93. Victim 2117 - Jussi Adler-Olsen

October
94. The Downloaded - Robert J Sawyer
95. Book of Night - Holly Black
96. The Fractured Void - Tim Pratt
97. A Foreign Country - Charles Cumming
98. The Mist in the Mirror - Susan Hill
99. A House With Good Bones - T Kingfisher
100. The Deep Sky - Yume Kitasei
101. Roadkill - Dennis E. Taylor
102. the Mercy of Gods - James S A Corey
103. The Worst Pirate Hunters in the Fringe - Sylar Ramirez

November
104. Ariadne - Jennifer Saint - DNF
105. Light Chaser - Hamilton and Powell
106. A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia - Clara Benson
107. Event - David L Golemon
108. Little Fuzzy - H Beam Piper
109. Stormbreaker - Anthony Horowitz
110. Artificial Condition - Martha Wells
111. Black Out - John Lawton - DNF
112. Babylon's Ashes - James S A Corey
113. London Rules - Mick Herron
114. A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder - Dianne Freeman
115. Artifact Space - Miles Cameron
116. Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan
117. Help the Poor Struggler - Martha Grimes

December
118. Fuzzy Nation - John Scalzi
119. Freedom's Dawn - Ryk Brown
120. Quantico - Greg Bear - DNF
121. Death of a BusyBody- George Bellairs
122. The Medici Manuscript - C J Archer
123. The Venetian Affair - Helen MacInnes
124. the Stardust Grail - Yume Kitasei
125. The Guinevere Deception - Kiersten White
126. Boneyards - K K Rusch
127. Shatter the Bones - Stuart MacBride
128. To Ride Hell's Chasm - Janny Wurts
129. Deep Black - Miles Cameron

Happy ROOTing this year, and good luck with your goal!

Happy ROOTing, Jean! Go get those ROOTs!

Welcome back, Jean! I'm in the same boat with acquiring more books. Hope you find some gems!

Welcome back!

Welcome back! Looking forward to seeing what you're reading.

Hello again! Best of luck with your reading this year.

Welcome back, Jean, and happy reading!

Thanks for the welcomes everyone. I've been busily reading, but not quite done with anything yet.

1.

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.

2.

York: The Shadow Cipher - Laura Ruby
Series: York #1
pages: 496
Challenges:
AlphaKIT, TBR, ROOT

CAWPILE Rating:

1. Character: 8
   
2. Atmosphere/Setting: 7
   
3. Writing Style: 7
   
4. Plot: 7
   
5. Intrigue: 8
   
6. Logic/Relationships: 8
   
7. Enjoyment: 8
   
8. Rating: 4
   
   
   
   Complex steampunk listed as middle-grade but pretty adultish to me. Only the main characters are kids I suppose makes it listed as middle-grade.
   
   In an alt-NewYork, three kids and a few cronies try to solve a centuries old cipher in an effort to save the building they live in. It's impossible... Or is it. And, what will they win. Can they save their home?

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.

I made this scheme with all the reincarnations to help me while reading the whole series. I have finished the series a long time ago.

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 💙

>15 majkia: I just finished this around the holiday season last year. I loved Thimble, too, and desperately want his cinnamon roll recipe.

That's on my TBR too, Jean. Some of my RL-bookclub members liked it as well. I just have to finish my books. I'm currently reading 9 books at the same time. I have to finish some for Rosalita first. :-)

5.

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 💙

6.

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

7.

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 💙

8.

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.

9.

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.

10.

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.

11.
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 💙

12.

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.
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.

14.

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?

Eversion - Alastair Reynolds
Pages: 352
Audiobook Read by: Harry Myers
Challenges:
TBR
AlphaKIT
ROOT

CAWPILE Rating:
• Character: 8
• Atmosphere/Setting: 8
• Writing Style:9
• Plot:7
• Intrigue: 8
• Logic/Relationships: 7
• Enjoyment: 8
Rating: 4 💙

Very odd and surprising stand alone book that appears to be alt history but turns out as something quite different.

16.

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.

17.

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.

>29 majkia: I've just finished my first Elizabeth George, A Banquet of Consequences, also a Lynley mystery. A bit long but I'll definitely go back for more.

>31 Cecilturtle: Glad you enjoyed it!

18.

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!

19.

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.

20.

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.

21.

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.

22.

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.

23.
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.

24.

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.

25.

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.

26.

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.

27.
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.

28.

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.

29.

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.

hi Jean! Wow, that are a lot of Excavations! Nice.

30.

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.

31.

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.

32.

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.

I haven't read any of Huff's fantasy, but really enjoyed her Valor series (especially the first two books).

33.

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.

34.
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.

35.

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.

36.
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.

Hi Jean, back again doing my rounds. It's a rainy day over here, so I thought this was the time to do so. Nice reading done, I see.

37.
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.

38.

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.

39.

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.

40.

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.

41.

Snowbound - Blake Crouch
Series: Fear 2

Challenges: ROOT, Roll100, Bookspin, Focus Series

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

hello,

your touchstone isn't matching.

>60 EGBERTINA: Thanks. Fixed.

42.

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.

43.

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.

44.

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.

45.

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.

46.

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!

47.

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.

48.

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.

49.

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.

>66 majkia: The Worst Ship in the Fleet sounds like fun! I will have to keep an eye out for it.

50.

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.

51.

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.

52.

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.

53.

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

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

54.
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.

55.

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

Quick read. Novella about spycraft.

56.
Lavinia Urusla K LeGuin

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

57.
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.

>72 majkia: Plock plock!

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

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

59.
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.

60.

Agent to the Stars - John Scalzi

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

61.

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.

62.
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.

63.
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.

My goodness! How impressive. How do you manage to read so many books?

>83 majkia: I really enjoyed the first of this series (Midsolar Murders) - must see if my library has a copy of this one.

64.

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.

65.
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.

66.

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.

67.

Last Dragon Standing - Rachel Aaron
Series: Heartstrikers #5

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

68.

Consider Phlebas - Ian M Banks

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

69.
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.

70.

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

Best one so far. Such a great series.

71.

Real Tigers - Mick Herron
Series: Slough House #3

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

Oh, my, this is impressive! How do you manage to read so many books? I'm extremely jealous!

>96 handshakes: I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I can do that whilst doing other things.

72.

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

Enjoying this madcap repo man series.

>97 majkia: Ah, ok. How does that affect your comprehension and retention of information?

>99 handshakes: That depends on the book. Mostly I'm pretty good at listening as I do other things, but some books, those I'm not really drawn into, I have to back up and re-listen at times. I listen at 1.5x or so which seems to make it easier to comprehend, than slower speeds. Odd that, but it is so for me.

73.

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.

74.

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

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

75.

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.

>103 majkia: I read my first one this year and loved it! I'm glad the same feel threads through the series.

76.

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.

77.
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.

78.

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.

79.

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.

80.
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.

81.
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.

82.

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.

83.
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.

84.

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.

85.

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

Meh, space mystery. Not very impressed.

86.

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?

87.

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.

88.

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.

89.

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.

90.

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.

Hi Jean. I've just skimmed 63 unread posts in you thread. And saw a whole lot of read books pass. Very impressive! How are you doing? I hope your fine.

>120 connie53: I'm doing well, will be better when the Hurricane barreling toward us makes landfall. Hopefully east of us.

>121 majkia: Hurricanes! I hope they change their path for your sake.

91.

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.

92.

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.

93.

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.

94.

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.

95.
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.

96.

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.

97.

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.

98.

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

99.

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.

100.

The Deep Sky - Yume Kitasei

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

>132 majkia: I think u fixed the touchstone - just as I was about to comment.

Not when I use the touchstone.

>134 connie53: fixed now
touchstones were giving me a fit yesterday

Sometimes LT is really doing strange things. Like the tickers going back to somewhere in September when LT was down completely..

101.

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).

102.

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.

103.

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.

Hi Jean, just popping in to see what you have been reading.

104.

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.

105.

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.

106.

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.

107.

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.

108.
LIttle Fuzzy - H Beam Piper

Fun little story of first contact. Hopeful and kind.

109.
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.

110.

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.

111.
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

112.
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.

113. 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.

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

Okay cozy. Easy pleasant read.

115.

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.

116.
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,.

117.
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.

>153 majkia: Those gorgeous covers have a lot to answer for!

>155 MissWatson: LOL

118.

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.

119.

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.

120.

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

121.

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.

122.

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.

123.

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.

124.

The Stardust Grail - Yume Kitasei

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

125.

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.

126.

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.

127.
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.

128.

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.

129.

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.