Majkia (Jean) and the Quantum Entanglement of Reading - 2024

Hi everyone. Jean here, back again to enjoy my favorite genres. I'm an introvert so don't expect a lot of chitchat. I've never really learned that art.




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

Books Read

1. The Book That Wouldn't Burn - Mark Lawrence
2. A Clash of Kings - George RR Martin - 768 pages
3. York: The Shadow Cipher - Laura Ruby - 496 pages
4. Daggerspell - Katharine Kerr - 492 pages
5. Legends and Lattes - Travis Baldree - 304 pages
6. A Memory Called Empire - Arkady Martine
7. Naked In Death J D Robb - DNF
8. A Desolation Called Peace - Arkady Martine - 496 pages
9. The Anodyne Necklace - Martha Grimes - 304 pages
10. Vienna at Nightfall - Richard Wake - 308 pages
11. Mort - Terry Pratchett - 243 pages
12. Shards of the Earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky - 560 pages
13. The Essex Serpent - Sarah Perry - 464 pages
14. Starling House - Alix E Harrow - 320 pages
15. Dead and Buried - Stephen Booth - 432 pages
16. Eyes of the Void - Adrian Tchaikovsky - 608 pages
17. Eversion - Alastair Reynolds - 352 pages
18. Believing the Lie - Elizabeth George - 624 pages
19. Europe in Autumn - Dave Hutchinson - 416 pages
20. Fallen Dragon - Peter F Hamilton - 832 pages
21. Run - Blake Crouch- pages 288
22. The Rings of Haven - Ryk Brown - 240 pages
23. Slow Horses - Mick Herron = 325 pages
24. Argylle - Elly Conway
25. Babel - R F Kuang
26. The Mitford Murders - Jessica Fellowes - 338 pages
27. Heaven's River - Dennis E Taylor - 640 pages
28. Zoo Station - David Downing - 293 pages
29. A Little Hatred - Joe Abercrombie - 480 pages
30. The Marlow Murder Club - Robert Thorogood - 480 pages
31. Abaddon's Gate - James S A Corey - 566 Pages
32. Limelight - Dan Willis
33. The Rift - Walter Jon Williams - 944 pages
34. The Dirty Duck - Martha Grimes- pages 320
35. A Storm of Swords - George R R Martin Pages: 1216
36. Sing the Four Quarters - Tanya Huff - 416 pages
37. The Lords of Uncreation - Adrian Tchaikovsky
38. The Tourist - Oleg Steinhauer
39. The Captain (Last Horizon) - Will Wight
40. The Oppenheimer Alternative - Robert J Sawyer
41. City of Endless Night - Preston/Child
42. Too Like the Lightning - Ada Palmer
43. Probability Moon - Nancy Kress
44. Dead Lions - Mick Herron
45. Prador Moon - Neal Asher
46. Snowbound - Blake Crouch
47. Diving into the Wreck - K K Rusch
48. Primary Inversion- Catherine Asaro
49. The Gray Man - Mark Greaney
50. Dead Energy - James M Corkill DNF
51. The Worst Ship in the Fleet - Skyler Ramirez
52. Saevus Corax Deals with the Dead - K J Parker
53. Starfish - Peter Watts
54. Edges (Frontier) - Linda Nagata
55. Blood Gospel - James Rollins - 732 pages
56. A Feast for Crows - GRRM - 784 pages
57. Verses for the Dead - Preston/Child
58. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde
59. Just One Evil Act - Elizabeth George
60. Maleficent Seven - Cameron Johnston
61. The Legend of Corinair - Ryk Brown
62. A History of What Comes Next - Sylvain Neuvel
63. Lavinia - Ursula K Le Guin
64. Stormwarden - Janny Wurts
65. Cibola Burn - James S A Corey
66. Persephone Station - Stina Leicht
67. Agent to the Stars - John Scalzi
68. Chaos Terminal - Mur Lafferty
69. Noumenon - Marina J Lostetter
71. Summertide - Charles Sheffield
72. Luna: New Moon - Ian McDonald
73. Finder - Suzanne Palmer
74. Silesian Station - Davind Downing
75. Last Dragon Standing - Rachel Aaron
76. Consider Phlebas - Ian M Banks
77. Keeper of the Keys - Janny Wurts
78. Nemesis Games - James S A Corey
79. Real Tigers - Mick Herron
80. Driving the Deep - Suzanne Palmer
81. The Murder of Mr Wickham - Claudia Gray
82. A Blunt Instrument - Georgette Heyer
83. Luna: Wolf Moon - Ian McDonald
84. The Worst Spies in the Sector - Sylar Ramirez
85. The Jerusalem Inn - Martha Grimes
86. The Blighted Stars - Megan E. O'Keefe
87. How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying - Django Wexler
88. A Dance with Dragons - George R R Martin
89. Shadowfane - Janny Wurts
90. Columbus Day - Craig Alanson
91. A Better Man - Louise Penny
92. Luna: Moon Rising - Ian McDonald
93. Spook Street - Mick Herron
94. The Corpse Bridge - Stephen Booth
95. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars - Christopher Paolini
96. Void (Far Reaches) - Veronica Roth
97. The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Nghi Vo
98. Stettin Station - David Downing
99. The Art of Prophecy - Wesley Chu
100. City of Ruins - K K Rusch
101. All Systems Red - Martha Wells
102. The Librarian of Crooked Lane - C J Archer
103. Life of Elves - Muriel Barbery
104. Victim 2117 - Jussi Adler-Olsen
105. A Banquet of Consequences - Elizabeth George
106. The Downloaded - Robert J Sawyer
107. the Worst Pirate Hunter in the Fringe - Skyler Ramirez
108. Book of Night - Holly Black
109. A Fractured Void - Tim Pratt
110. A Foreign Country - Charles Cumming
111. The Mist in the Mirror - Susan Hill
112. A House With Good Bones - T Kingfisher
113. Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo
114. Roadkill - Dennis E. Taylor
115. The Seventh Bride - T Kingfisher
116. The Mercy of Gods - James S A Corey
117. Ariadne - Jennifer Saint - DNF
118. Blood Relation - Dan Willis
119. A Foreign Country - Charles Cumming
120. Light Chaser - Hamilton and Powell
121. A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia - Clara Benson
122. Event - David L Golemon
123. Little Fuzzy - H Beam Piper
124. We Solve Murders - Richard Osman
125. Stormbreaker - Anthony Horowitz
126. Artificial Condition - Martha Wells
127. Black Out - John Lawton DNF
128. Babylon's Ashes - James S A Corey
129. London Rules - Mick Herron
130. A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder - Dianne Freeman
131. Artifact Space - Miles Cameron
132. Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan
133. Help the Poor Struggler - Martha Grimes
134. Fuzzy Nation - John Scalzi
135. Death and Judgement - Donna Leon
136. Bright Young Dead - Jessica Fellowes
137. Freedom's Dawn - Ryk Brown
138. Quantico - Greg Bear - DNF
139. Death of a Busybody - George Bellairs
140. The Medici Manuscript - C J Archer
141. The Venetian Affair - Helen MacInnes
142. The Stardust Grail - Yume Kitasei
143. The Guinevere Deception - Kiersten White
144. Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone - Benjamin Stevenson
145. Boneyards - K K Rusch
146. Shatter the Bones - Stuart MacBride
147. To Ride Hell's Chasm - Janny Wurts
148. Deep Black - Miles Cameron

Happy New year and happy new thread!

Will you be revisiting the entire Deverry series?

The Anodyne Necklace looks ominous. Have never read any Martha Grimes. Not sure why. Hm.

>4 Karlstar: Yes, planning to read the whole series if I like it. I'm sure I read a book or two in the day, but don't remember them, sadly.

>5 Bookmarque: Thanks! Ilove the graphic!
I started reading Martha Grimes in the 90s, back when I really had no access to anything but a bookstore 20 miles away or so. I quit when I couldn't find the next book. Now, with options! I'm restarting it and plan to get much further. I really adore the main character. He's a sweetheart, always searching out the kids who see so much and being kind to the downtrodden and left out.

Happy reading in 2024!

Happy New Reading Year!

>1 majkia: Happy New Year, New Thread and New Reads!!!

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread! I look forward to your thoughts on The book that wouldn't burn.
I too read all the Deverry books back in the day, so I'll be interested to hear how you get on with Daggerspell.

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.

>11 majkia: Interesting. I'm glad you enjoyed this, and I'm glad he turned out to be a decent writer and somewhat of a success. He used to post in here back in the day. In fact I think one of his accounts got removed for plugging Prince of Thorns a bit too vigorously.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/120120
Mark was both the original poster, and one of the people who commented with a second account.

>12 clamairy: I read Prince of Thorns but didn't continue that series. I have also read his Sisters trilogy and enjoyed it very much. This book though, really shows how much he's grown.

>13 majkia: I've heard good things about the Sisters Trilogy. I'm very happy to hear he's improving so much.

>11 majkia: I've been waiting for a Green Dragon review of this one. It sounds great!

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.

3.

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?

Looks like your CAWPILE rating is working out well so far.

>18 Narilka: I think I'm going to comment on each rating for the next book, or at least comment on those that strike me as particularly important for that book.

4.

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.

>20 majkia: Do you feel, due to the nature of that series, that the Intrigue and Logic/Relationships aspects will get better in future books? I've been kind of curious about re-reading this series.

>21 Karlstar: I think I downgraded those mainly because I found the reincarnation stuff a bit confusing. And the logic/relationships that ensuded from reincarnation to be confusing to me. I'm planning on continuing the series, so hoping I'll have a better grasp on who's now who.

>22 majkia: That's probably why I lost interest after book nine in that series.

5.

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 💙

>24 majkia: I've been eyeing this book since it came out, but haven't done anything about it. I just haven't been in the mood, I guess...

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 💙

>26 majkia: I also really enjoyed this one. I'm glad you did, too.

>27 clamairy: A bit more deeply thought than most space opera.

>28 majkia: Definitely! I didn't think the second one was quite as good, but I believe I'm in the minority there.

>26 majkia: I am so glad you enjoyed it! It was one of my favourite sci-fi reads in recent years. The same goes for book 2 ;)

>26 majkia: I really liked that one, too.

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 💙

>33 majkia: I am glad you liked it! I thought it was excellent.

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.

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.

>37 majkia: Discworld is always a pleasure to visit, even when this or that particular book is not your favourite :)

>38 Alexandra_book_life: Very True. I just never particularly warmed to Mort, but I loved the jokes and silliness.

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 💙

>41 majkia: I've only discovered Tchaikovsky's books ca two years ago, and I loved everything I've read so far. The backlog is enormous ;), but it's something to look forward to. This one sounds tempting, I've seen quite a few great reviews of it in my feeds!

>42 Alexandra_book_life: He's one of my favoirte authors, especially for his last 5 or so years work.

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 💙

I'm currently reading Starling House and I keep having Deja Vu moments like I've read this before a long time ago. I have no idea what book it keeps evoking but it is unsettling! Good book though.

John Scalzi posted on Threads that Paramount intends to create a movie of Starter Villain. I soooo want to see those dophins!

>46 majkia: Oh, this is great news! (I hope they don't screw it up.)

>46 majkia: Great! I hope it will be good :)

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.

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.

>49 majkia: I like this author quite a bit. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Going on my TBR.

>51 clamairy: She's rapidly becoming a favorite of mine.

15.

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.

>54 majkia: It was an interesting read! I liked that Reynolds decided to do something different here.

>54 majkia:, >55 Alexandra_book_life:, would it make a good intro to Reynolds? I’ve been thinking about trying him, but unsure where to start. I do have Revelation Space in my TBR, but think maybe a standalone might be good to try first.

>56 ludmillalotaria: It's a very enjoyable read for sure. But it's good to know that it's quite different from what he usually writes. I can recommend it, though :) Otherwise, my favourite Reynolds is probably House of Suns - it is also a standalone.

>55 Alexandra_book_life: Yes, it was so surprising because I expected his usual fare. I like that kind of surprise!
>56 ludmillalotaria: It is quite different from his usual space opera, but a good book nonetheless. Tho I agree with Alexandra that House of Suns might be a better intro to the most of his reading.

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.

>60 majkia: The Essex Serpent kept showing up on sale, and I came to LibraryThing to look at the reviews more than once and each time decided not to buy it. I want to watch the TV series, but I don't have Apple+. Your link for Starling House is pointing to the wrong book. I've read a couple of books by that author and I really love her stuff. I'll be borrowing or buying that one soon.

hmm. I didn't know about Essex Serpent TVseries. I'll have to check it out, as I have apple+. Hope you enjoy Starling House.

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!

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.

>66 majkia: The TV adaptation is excellent if you haven't seen it yet. Though it's very faithful to the book so you might want to give it a bit of time before watching if you were considering. Gary Oldman is superb as Jackson Lamb.

>67 AHS-Wolfy: I've watched the first season and agree it is great. And Gary Oldman is a treasure.

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.

>72 majkia: Ah, the Bobiverse books are nice and geeky! I agree that this particular one felt too long and I remember getting a bit lost in that gigantic thing they are exploring. But I still enjoyed it.

>72 majkia: & >73 Alexandra_book_life: I really enjoyed this series. I thought this was supposed to be the last one, but number five is in the works apparently!

>72 majkia: Apparently he's writing a 5th Bob book too :D Hope it releases this year. Or what >74 clamairy: said!

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.

>76 majkia: That's a series I'm really enjoying. Thought the 1st book did a good job of setting the scene for what's to come while also providing enough of a story in its own right to keep the pages turning.

>77 AHS-Wolfy: Agree. Looking forward to more of the series.

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.

>79 majkia: You make it sound so appealing! :)

>80 Karlstar: LOL.

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.

>82 majkia: I read this recently and found the plot a bit unbelievable. But I enjoyed the setting because I visited Marlow last year and could imagine the characters there.

>83 Sakerfalcon: Oh, cool! Yeah, I found the cops not doing anything at all a bit much too.

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.
The Dirty Duck - Martha Grimes
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.

>89 majkia: Glad you enjoyed it, I'm overdue for a re-read of this one.

>89 majkia: >90 Karlstar:

This is the series that made me stop reading a series before it is finished. In fact, I decided to hold off after A Feast For Crows until the remaining books were published. I picked up A Dance With Dragons when it came out and it remains unread to this day. Disappointing but, on the bright side, I have not suffered from a lack of other books to read!

>91 ScoLgo: & >89 majkia: & >90 Karlstar: I'm not sure I could make myself read these again, but I am open to listening eventually. Possibly when I'm 80 something and someone else finishes the series for poor Mr Martin... Although the rumor is he's getting closer on book 6, The Winds of Winter. I'll believe it when I see a publishing date.

>92 clamairy: Yeah, I too will believe it when I see it. I mean, it has already been as long between book #5 and #6 as between #2 and #5:

A Game of Thrones: 1996
A Clash of Kings: 1998 (2 years)
A Storm of Swords: 2000 (2 years)
A Feast for Crows: 2005 (3 years)
A Dance with Dragons: 2011 (6 years)
The Winds of Winter: Forthcoming (13 years and counting...)
A Dream of Spring: Planned (ooo-kay, sure...)

I hope someone is able to finish them eventually but... I have read (on the internet so it must be true!) that Martin has made it clear he does not want anyone else finishing this series if he doesn't. Not sure how he could enforce that from beyond this mortal coil tho...?

>91 ScoLgo: For me it was Rothfuss, I'm really disappointed at his apparent lack of interest in finishing the series.

>92 clamairy: Let's hope!! I'd love to see it published, and the rest of the series, before Sanderson has to finish it.

>93 ScoLgo: I guess he could refuse to let anyone see his notes, so it would be essentially fan fiction.

>93 ScoLgo: I really don't know who has the writing chops to finish GoT.

>94 Karlstar: Brandon Sanderson is a brilliant writer, but I don't think he is bloodthirsty enough to finish this series.

I thought Rothfuss finally finished his series, with The Narrow Road Between Desires. I just found out it's actually not what I thought it was. Silly me.

>96 clamairy: Unfortunately, that Rothfuss is not actually anything new. Argh.

On Litsy we're reading (I'm listening) this one chapter a day. I find that it is working very well for the re-read.

>94 Karlstar: Don't talk to me about Rothfuss, please ;))))

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.

>96 clamairy: Just thinking here, if someone has to finish GoT, I would actually suggest Tad Williams, but it just occurred to me that maybe Joe Abercrombie?

>101 Karlstar: I haven't read anything by either one of them. I will have to remedy that.

>102 clamairy: oh Joe might well be a good fit.

>101 Karlstar: & >103 majkia: Can either of you suggest a place to start? There are multiple series and multiple standalones.

>104 clamairy: Tad Williams has written a lot of classic, epic fantasy. If you're up for something a little lighter, but still showing Tad's slightly weird side (he can get real weird) try starting with Tailchaser's Song.

Joe Ambercrombie is known for his dark, gritty fiction, think Mark Lawrence style. Lots of folks like his Best Served Cold.

Here's a slightly different direction, do you think Lois Bujold could do it? I think the result would not read a lot like Martin's, but would that matter? Is Tyrion Lannister just Miles in a fantasy setting?

>105 Karlstar: Tailchaser's Song has one of my all-time favorite heros! Fritti is both handsome and clever :)

>105 Karlstar: That does look interesting. I do own The Dragonbone Chair as an audiobook. Maybe I'll bump that one up the stack.

>106 Darth-Heather: When I read Tailchaser's Song, it just kind of stunned me that Tad came up with all of that. Quite the imagination.

>107 clamairy: Give it a try, but it may be a bit dry in audio format. Not sure.

>104 clamairy: I agree on Best Served Cold. Joe has tons of very very black humor in his books. They are definitely grimdark, but I enjoy the sudden appearance of that humor in the midst of the dark worlds he creates. I've read Dragonbone Chair. It was very good. i listened to it. From my review, I wasn't very impressed with the story itself, but with the lyrical writing style.

>109 majkia: Well, you all know I have a twisted sense of humor, so this one is definitely going on my OverDrive wish list.

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.

>111 majkia: I need to get my hands on this! It's been such a good trilogy so far, I'm glad he sticks the landing.

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.

>117 majkia: The entire series is excellent! These are not easy reads, but so intricate and interesting.

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.

>124 majkia: I didn't care for these at all. Bad romance novels vaguely disguised as scifi.

>124 majkia:, >125 Karlstar: I agree with you about Primary inversion, but the spin-off series about Major Bhaajan is excellent. SF/mystery, and very little romance because the MC is already in a relationship, which doesn't play a large part in the action.

>126 Sakerfalcon: Oh, good to know!

>125 Karlstar: Agreed.

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.

>130 majkia: Thanks for helping us to avoid that author.

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!

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.

>133 majkia: Oh, great! I am a fan of Parker too. I hope to get to this series soon (-ish).

>134 Alexandra_book_life: :)

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.

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.

>139 majkia: That was my least favorite as well. I'm pretty sure it has the lowest rating of the five books here on library thing, too.

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.

>142 majkia: I remember liking this one a lot (and the rest of the series)! Good fun :)

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.

>150 majkia: Putting that one on my TBR list!

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

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

66.
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.

67.

Agent to the Stars - John Scalzi

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

>154 majkia: Wel that went right on my wishlist. I confess, the cover had a lot to do with it. I will probably buy the Kindle version though.

>155 MrsLee: and >151 Karlstar: :))

>154 majkia: This one is a lot of fun! I totally agree :)

68.

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.

I think I need a list of what you are planning to read, then I can just pick them up sooner and shorten the delay.

>160 Karlstar: Lol

>154 majkia: This audiobook (read by Wil Wheaton) is one of the reasons why I joined Audible. GeorgiaDawn had given it to me as a gift back when Audible let you give away audiobooks. It's hilarious and touching.

>162 clamairy: Scalzi and Wheaton are pure gold.

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.

>159 majkia: Nice! This one has been on my "this looks interesting" list for a while now.

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.

>166 majkia: Agreed. It is a good trilogy overall, I thought.

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.

>171 majkia: Such good books! I haven't read all of the Culture novels, but the ones I had read were all great :)

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.

>171 majkia: Great stuff. I just have one more Culture novel to read to complete them all.

>174 majkia: 1st book of their new series has just been released, The Mercy of Gods

>177 AHS-Wolfy: I've got it. I'm debating on reading it right away or waiting for more books in that series. ...
Who am I kidding. I want to read it soon!!! Damn library holds are in the way though.

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.

83.

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

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

>182 majkia: I've heard good things about Ian McDonald, but haven't read any of his books. Would you recommend?

>183 Alexandra_book_life: Dervish House is my favorite by him. I loved it.

>184 majkia: Sounds good, thank you :)

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.

>184 majkia: Seconded! I also loved Hopeland which is quite different.

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.

>183 Alexandra_book_life: My first McDonald novel was Brasyl and I highly recommend it. The others I have read, (Hopeland, The Dervish House, River of Gods and its companion collection Cyberabad Days), are all great too. IMHO, you really can't go wrong with any of them. That said, River of Gods and Hopeland are both thicker books than Dervish House and Brasyl, (thicker in terms of page count - not conceptual density), so it may be best to start with one of those titles...?

Either way, if you like his writing and want to explore more of his catalog, when you get to them, I suggest reading River of Gods before Cyberabad Days as you'll get more out of the collection with the world-building of the novel already in mind.

>189 ScoLgo: Great recommendations, thank you very much :)

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.

>192 majkia: Sounds like fun!

88.

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.

>194 majkia: Ugh. I hope you're wrong.
:o(

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.

>195 clamairy: me too.....

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.

>203 majkia: Trish and I enjoyed that one too.

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?

>206 majkia: I really like that cover though. Too bad about the content.

Perhaps as a palate-cleanser, you'd like to read High Times in the Low Parliament.

>207 MrsLee: I know, right? It was nicely written just too damn depressing.

>208 reconditereader: Oh! That sounds like fun! Thanks for the recce.

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.

>206 majkia: I love this series!!! I didn't come away with the same feeling you did at all.

>211 clamairy: I suspect trigger issues for myself.

>212 majkia: I understand. I've had other books that people raved about set me off. A lot depends on my state of mind going in.

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.

>216 majkia: There's always time for a Murderbot reread :)

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.

>218 majkia: I think I may have this one languishing on the Kindle somewhere. Thanks for the heads up on the romance element.

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.

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.

>230 majkia: I think your touchstone is pointing to a different book :)

This one was interesting, but I had issues with it - characters and plot holes :) But I was impressed enough to consider giving the author's next book a chance. So The Stardust Grail is on my list, waiting for its turn.

>228 majkia: I thought I'd read this one but it would appear that I don't have it. What is the location in which it is set? Is it Venice or does the action take place in England?

>232 jillmwo: England mostly although there is a trip to Venice in there too.

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.

>235 majkia: Nice to see that his non-Bobiverse books are up to standard.

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.

>237 majkia: I'm glad you enjoyed this one. I bought it when it was on sale a while back but I have been saving it.

>237 majkia: I have it on my kindle as well! I like these coincidences :)

>237 majkia: I have the Kindle edition of The Seventh Bride too! Maybe it's time for a bunch of us to get around to reading it!

>240 jillmwo: Maybe it's a sign! :)

Go for it! Halloween is coming

>240 jillmwo: & >241 Alexandra_book_life: I will start it as soon as I finish my current read. Might not be until Halloween.
Edited to add: It's only 237 pages, so maybe I will start it sooner.

>243 clamairy: It's been sitting on my Kindle since July of this year so I think I can wait 'til Halloween before starting.

Okeedokey.

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.

>246 majkia: I liked this one quite a lot, it's nice to see it in your thread :)

>243 clamairy: I started The Seventh Bride this morning! It looks like a good one :)

>248 Alexandra_book_life: Hope you enjoy it!

>249 majkia: Thank you :)

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.

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!

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.

>259 majkia: Hail, Murderbot!
Re-reading Murderbot is a good thing :)

>259 majkia: & >260 Alexandra_book_life: Will be interesting to see how it's going to be adapted into a TV show.

>261 AHS-Wolfy: I hope they don't screw it up!

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

>263 majkia: I don't blame you one bit. My tolerance for this kind of thing has become almost non-existent as I have aged.

I hate these days when an adaptation comes along and there are so many streaming services that it's like rolling the dice if you'll ever be able to watch it. So I'm glad I hit is with the Murderbot series coming to Apple. Our beloved Sec Unit is going to be played by Alexander Skarsgard. Phew. But another I'd like to watch is on MGM and so probably will never see it. The Emperor of Ocean Park is now a series (limited run?) and it looks to be great. That one stars Forrest Whitaker.

oh, thanks for pointing those out! I hope they do the books justice!

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,.

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.

>279 majkia: I think I may have gotten the first one in this series based on your recommendation. Maybe I'll move it up a bit, come January.

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.

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.

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.

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.

>287 majkia: Normally I agree with that. I did finish this one though because I read it during one of the pub's group reads and Janny Wurts was there with us at that time. There is a thread somewhere here. I do remember enjoying it.

>288 MrsLee: I do love her books, and was heartbroken I couldn't finish it. But I was feeling too miserable about the events to continue.

>285 majkia: >286 majkia: Was the bones theme accidental?

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.

>284 majkia:
I enjoyed this book and have the next two lined up for reading. I have also introduced my daughter to the series and she is enjoying it.