Narilka redacts her reading in 2024 - Part 3

It's time for a third thread for 2024!

My Rating System
- Absolutely horrible, don't bother

- Meh, I finished the book somehow but would not recommend it

- An entertaining read

- Highly enjoyable, I would probably recommend this book

- Excellent! The book may not be perfect but it was perfect for me. Possibly a new favorite.

A star is given for a book that falls between those categories.

Currently Reading


Listening To

Books Read in 2024
1. Beware of Chicken 3 by Casualfarmer
2. Dragon Heist by Alexander C. Kane
3. The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett
4. Baking Bad by Kim M. Watt
5. System Collapse by Martha Wells
6. The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof
7. The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
8. Yule Be Sorry by Kim M. Watt
9. The Phantom of the Lop Ear by Andrew Seiple
10. Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
11. Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
12. The Wisdom of the Council by Sara Landon
13. A Manor of Life and Death by Kim M. Watt
14. The Case of the Felonious Faire by Drew Hayes
15. Mort by Terry Pratchett
16. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
17. Sourcery by Terry Pratchett
18. The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castell
19. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett
20. An End to All Tails by Andrew Seiple
21. Game of Scones by Kim M Watt
22. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
23. Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
24. Siege Tactics by Drew Hayes
25. The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman
26. Foreigner by CJ Cherryh
27. Playing the Matrix by Mike Dooley
28. Eric by Terry Pratchett
29. The Ultimate Book of Fun Things to Do in Retirement Volume 1 by S. C. Francis
30. The Gate of the Feral Gods by Matt Dinniman
31. Pyramids by Terry Pratchett
32. To Die Fur by Dixie Lyle
33. Sabriel by Garth Nix
34. Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
35. Unstoppable Brain by Kyra Bobinet
36. A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
37. A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow
38. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
39. Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett
40. Lirael by Garth Nix
41. Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
42. A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
43. Project Hail Mary by Andy Wier
44. Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett
45. Morrigan's Ravens by Graeme Rodaughan
46. The Butcher's Masquerade by Matt Dinniman
47. Nala's World by Dean Nicholson
48. Abhorsen by Garth Nix
49. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
50. Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett
51. The Dark Refrain by Jessica Khoury
52. Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
53. Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson
54. Not Till We Are Lost by Dennis E. Taylor
55. Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
56. Tax Alpha Solutions by Matthew Chancey
57. Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson
58. The Eye of the Bedlam Bride by Matt Dinimann
59. Constituent Service: A Third District Story by John Scalzi
60. Heretical Fishing by Haylock Jobson
61. Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
62. Cat Core by Dean Henegar
63. Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett
64. Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson
65. Lich's Bargain by Dean Henegar
66. Road Trip by Dean Henegar
67. Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson
68. Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett
69. Gobbelino London and a Melee of Mages by Kim M Watt
70. Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson

Fun Stats
Books Read: 70
Total Pages Read: 16,105
Audio Book Hours: 319h 17m
Rereads: 17
TBR Challenge: 12/12

2024 Series Stats
In progress: 21
Up to date: 18
On Hold: 5
Completed: 4
Abandoned: 3

Mount TBR
Start 2024: 217
End 2024: ?

TBR Challenge

A new year, a new list - happy 2024! It's a brand new primary list with all the carry overs from last year under the secondary list. Aiming for 12 read.

12/12

Primary
1. Baking Bad by Kim M. Watt Read Jan 24
2. Dragon Heist by Alexander Kane Read Jan 12
3. The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castelle Read Apr 2
4. The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson Read Aug 30
5. To Die Fur by Dixie Lyle Read June 17
6. The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof Read Feb 3
7. A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow Read June 23
8. Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews Read June 19
9. A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home by Sue Halpern
10. Nala's World by Dean Nicholson Read Aug 7
11. Scythe by Neil Shusterman
12. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Read June 24

Secondary
1. Terciel & Elinor by Garth Nix
2. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
3. Foreigner by C. J. Cherryh Read May 15
4. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
5. A Cat Named Darwin by William Jordan
6. Someone Like Me by MR Carey
7. Black Powder War by Naomi Novik
8. Thud! by Terry Pratchett
9. You Are the Placebo by Joe Dispenza
10. Swordheart by T. Kingfisher Read Feb 22
11. Terminal Alliance by Jim C. Hines
12. My Life in a Cat House by Gwenn Cooper

My Personal Incomplete Series Challenge
Keeping my never-ending series list going for yet another year.

Series Stats Summary
In progress: 21
Up to date: 18
On Hold: 5
Completed: 4
Abandoned: 3

In Progress
Discworld: Rincewind - 6/8
Discworld: City Watch - 6/8
Discworld: Tiffany Aching - 3/5
Discworld: Overall - 33/41
Temeraire - 2/9
Joe Ledger* - 6/10
World of the Five Gods - 2/3
Space Team* - 4/11
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot Mysteries - 2/5
Awaken Online: Tarot* - 1/3
Of Cats and Dragons* - 1/5
Hunter - 1/3
Nathaniel Cade* - 2/3
Spells, Swords and Stealth* - 4/5
Gobbelino London, PI - 4/7
Blasphemy Online - 1/3
Valkerye Collections - 1/2
Beaufort Scales Mysteries - 4/8
Stormlight Archives Arc 1 - 4/5
Heretical Fishing* - 1/3
Miss Percy Guide - 1/3

Up to date and waiting
The Band - 2/2 - #3 expected 2025
The Brackenford Cycle - 4/4 - #5 TBD
5-minute Sherlock* - 3/3 - #4 TBD
The Witchlands - 4/4 - #5 expected 2025
World of the Others - 3/3 - #4 TBD
Mystwick* - 3/3 - #4 TBD
The Locked Tomb - 3/3 - #4 expected 2025
Aurelia Ryder - 1/1 - #2 TBD
Innkeeper Chronicles - 5/5 - #6 TBD
The Wizard's Butler* - 1/1 - #2 TBD
Kate Daniels Wilmington Years - 2/2 - #3 expected 2025
The Dresden Files - 17/17 - #18 TBD
Beware of Chicken* - 3/3 - #4 expected Dec 2024
Murderbot - 7/7 - #8 TBD
The Iron Covenant - 1/1 - #2 expected 2025
Legends & Lattes - 1.5/1.5 - #2 TBD
Bobiverse - 5/5 - #6 TBD
Dungeon Crawler Carl* - 6/6 - #7 expected 2/11/2025

Temporarily On Hold While I Try to Reduce my TBR
The Folk of the Air* - 1/3
Awaken Online* - 4/6
The Siege - 1/3
Spellslinger - 1/6
The Darkwater Legacy* - 1/2

Completed in 2024
Threadbare Pt 2* - 3/3
Fractured Fables - 2/2
Abhorsen* - 3/3
Cat Core* - 3/3

Abandoned in 2024
Lighthouse Library Mysteries - 2/4
The Burning - 1/2
Foreigner - 1/22

*Indicates series on audio

And now to see if I can write some reviews from my massive backlog.

Happy New Thread!

>6 clamairy: Thanks!

16. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman



The apocalypse will be televised!

It only takes a moment for the Earth to be destroyed with every building and everything in them to be reduced to rubble. The survivors are notified that they have a couple hours to enter the "world dungeon" and compete on the game show Dungeon Craweler World or they can take their chances on the destroyed surface of the planet. A man and his cat enter the dungeon. The universe has no idea just what kind of entertainment they're in for.

That description feels completely inadequate yet it's how the first chapter starts. Dungeon Crawler Carl is first in a fantasy series of the same name by Matt Dinniman. The story is absolutely absurd, as are the situations Carl (human) and Donut (cat) find themselves in. And it is just so much fun! The story alternates between heartbreaking, horrific and heartwarming while being hilarious and action packed. I have no idea how Dinniman did it but he did and I appreciate him for it.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Jeff Hayes. Jeff's narration is easily one of the best I've heard. Definitely listen to this on audio if you like that format. I've already listened to it twice it's such a great experience.

Rating:

17. Sourcery by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: Sourcery is the third in the Rincewind sub-series of Discworld. There is a plot of sorts that roams around (Sourcery vs Magic) but it seems to take a backseat to the characters. I found the story not quite as enjoyable upon reread though still entertaining. The humor just wasn't doing it for me this time around though I did enjoy the ending.

Rating:

Happy new thread! :)

Happy new thread!

Quite the launch for a new thread! As for the Pratchett re-read, is it possible that you just weren't in quite the right mood? Books can be laugh-out-loud funny but if you're not in the mood for a particular style of humor, they can fall a bit flat.

>10 Alexandra_book_life:, >11 quondame:, >12 jillmwo: Thanks!

>12 jillmwo: Anything is possible. I'd have to look to see when I was reading that if it was also one of the times my mom's health wasn't good. That could affect my reading enjoyment for sure.

I also appear to have not gotten past 2 reviews today. I may try for more tomorrow. In the mean while, my current reads...

I'm reading Edgedancer out of my copy of Arcanum Unbound. It includes 2 pages about the Roshar solar system which was fascinating. No idea if that little bit is in the printed or ebook of just the novella. Ch 1 The trees that feign death had me cracking up.

Lift is reminding me of Peter Pan. The girl that doesn't want to grow up.

I'm a little over half way through and that was a fascinating conversation Darkness had. So original Voidbringers are world hoppers? I wonder how that little fact will play out with the "leftover" Voidbringers aka Listeners. Seems like the Listeners have forgotten their history/origin.

Also, how did they find voidspren? Don't spren appear when their source/namesake is high? Where do you find lots of void?

Not Till We Are Lost Through Ch 54 I had been wondering for a while now if Daedalus and Icarus were going through wormholes that the rest of the Bobs had places since it's hard to tell where they are in time and some of the Bobs are also placing wormholes now. It kind of seems like maybe not? It's fascinating.

I'm also liking Howard and Bridgette's adventure. I hope they can help the dragons.

So sad that darn faction tried to bring back Homer. I miss him too but he turned himself off for a reason. I'm glad that part wasn't dragged out.

Happy New Thread!

>9 Narilka: & >12 jillmwo: Yeah, I bailed on this one as an audiobook back in 2013 and stuck to the Witches and Tiffany Aching after that.

Happy new thread!
>9 Narilka: Sourcery was not among my favourite Discworld books, as I recall. It's been a while since I read it, but I've not felt inclined to go back to it. Maybe one day I'll do a complete series read.

>15 Karlstar:, >17 Sakerfalcon: Thanks!

I finished Edgedancer last night. I liked the story a lot. So we've seen two Heralds in the world now. The returned one and the insane justice keeper. I liked Lift's character arc and alternate between liking the character and finding her annoying lol I feel for Wyndle. I like seeing the Oaths for the different orders. She's not a full Radiant yet but is well on her way. I had hoped she's take the old lady with her but oh well. The spren are pretty good guides when Heralds aren't murder hoboing their people.

I'm also curious about that formless creature thing. I'm guessing we'll see it or another of it's kind in the future.

Next up - Small Gods.

18. The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castell



Warmages. Huh. Yeah. What are they good for. Absolutely nothing...

I do like it when books remind me of songs.

Cade Ombra, a mercenary wonderist, is in a dangerous situation. He realizes that the people he works for are far less noble than him and has started to ask awkward questions. Cade finds himself on the run with his only friend, a homicidal thunder mage, who has talked him into a mission to kill the seven deadliest mages in existence. War mages are violent, angry and dangerously broken individuals who sell their skills to the highest bidder without regard for morals or ethics. This is likely suicide.

The Malevolent Seven is currently a stand alone fantasy novel by Sebastien de Castell. I picked up the book having enjoyed the author's "grimdark with humor" style in the past. While all the elements of things I enjoy are there - creative world building and types of magic, interesting characters, snarky humor - as a whole I found the read to be unsatisfying. All the characters are morally grey and it made it hard for me to root for anyone in particular though some show promise. The ending, while wrapping up some loose ends, was left wide open. It would be a great first book in a series and with that open ending it would be easy enough for the author to write more in this world some day.

Rating:

19. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: I really enjoyed this reread! Love all the banter between the witches, the nods to Shakespeare and Death's small cameo. Reading through the annotations on Lspace, I completely missed just how early Pratchett foreshadowed the ending. Very cleverly done.

Rating:

>19 Narilka: Now Small Gods IS one of my favourite Discworld books! I hope you enjoy it!

>21 Narilka: This might be my favorite Pratchett ever.

>22 Sakerfalcon: Me too :) Hope it's as good as it was my first time through.

>23 clamairy: I keep going back and forth on which is my favorite Witches :)

20. An End to All Tails by Andrew Seiple



The book's opening serves as the perfect story summary:

Once upon a time, there was a teddy bear.

After getting himself un-kidnapped by pirates, with much help from his friends, he found matters had only gotten more complicated back at home. Resolving to fix things, he flew on a borrowed airship to try and sort everything out.

But things were broken on a deeper level than he realized. And he had no clue at the time just how far he would have to go to get his loved ones the happy ending they deserved.

An End to All Tails is the sixth and (currentlly) final Threadbear novel by Andrew Seiple. The book acts as the final book for the entire Threadbearverse which includes two additional series - Blasphemy Online and Small Medium. Turns out it was OK not to complete the Blasphemy Online prequels. The first book of Blasphemy has enough background with introduction to the characters that join Threadbare in the end plus this book gives a great summary of where that series ended to provide the needed context. I would recommend finishing the Small Medium series before this one as it was not given as much detail (plus is genuinely a fun read in its own right) and it would be easy to be a bit puzzled about Chase and friends without it. I may go back to finish up Blasphemy anyway it sounds like Richard went on a pretty amazing quest.

Anyway, this book ties together all three series and answers exactly what was going on with that world and why. Is it a perfect ending? I like where most of the characters end up and found it an exciting and satisfactory read, if a bit rushed at the end. I'd also have liked a better answer with regards to the Player situation. Still it was a lot of fun and a nice ending.

Rating:

21. Game of Scones by Kim M Watt



"Miriam growled at the bottom of the sink, and helped herself to a large chunk of brownie from a tub she'd discovered earlier. If a day like this didn't call for generous servings of brownies, she wasn't sure what did."

Game of Scones is the fourth book in the Beaufort Scales Mysteries series by Kim M. Watt. Suspicious deaths and disappearances have been happening to Skipton city council members. When the councillor for Toot Hansell becomes the latest victim, Alice Martin knows she must take his place and find out what's really going on. With a little help from her friends of course.

This entry took quite a while to hook me with a much slower first half. The ending was the regular fun chaos that I've come to expect from Watt's books. I also enjoyed the reveal about Alice's past. It's great seeing even more magical creatures that live in this world. My favorite thing was Dandy going full mythological hound! Pretty great protection Adams has without even knowing it. Also that quote from Miriam - there's almost nothing a generous serving of brownies doesn't improve!

Rating:

23. Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman



New achievement! Congratulations, you've read another book. Pretty soon you'll be telling all you friends and joining a book club. Reward: Book 3's available. What are you waiting for?

This series is just so much fun. I love how much character growth and poignant moments there are mixed in with all the humor, irreverence and mayhem. The creativity with the race/class combos is just awesome. Carl is really living up to his!

Rating:

>26 Narilka: Who keeps brownies in a tub and how do you just 'discover' one?

>28 Karlstar: It's part of the culture for that village - lots and lots of baking. Hence the play on words titles for the books in the series.

22. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: This was just as enjoyable to read as it was last time. Never bet against a million-to-one chance. I'm looking forward to continuing with more of the Watch soon. Original review below.

----------------

Someone out there was about to find that their worst nightmare was a maddened Librarian. With a badge.

It's no secret I'm a huge Discworld fan and have a particular fondness for the Night Watch books. So I was quite excited when Guards! Guards! was chosen for my book club's September read. This reread did not disappoint! It was just as enjoyable as I remembered.

The Supreme Grand Master of the Elucidated Brethren of the Ebon Night has an idea: to overthrown the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork and install a puppet ruler while he not-so-secretly rules the city from behind the throne. How to acheive such a feat? Locate the long lost heir to the throne, have him defeat a dragon and install him as king. Using a book he stole from Unseen University the Supreme Grand Master goes about setting his plot in motion. What could possibly go wrong?

Guards! Guards! is the 8th Discworld novel and the start of the Watch sub-series. As with most Discworld books it takes several familiar concepts from mythology and common fantasy tropes, shakes them up, adds a twist and gives the story it's own unique Discworld flavor. This time around it's secret societies, the origins of dragons and their nature, a by-the-book cop, ritual magic, the danger of libraries (knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass), how to make a king, humans being the real monsters, million-to-one chances and more.

It is also the first book that is set entirely within Ankh-Morpork. The city comes to life in such detail that in some ways almost becoming a character itself. In Vimes's words:

The city wasa, wasa, wasa wossname. Thing. Woman. That's what it was. Woman. Roaring, ancient, centuries old. Strung you along, let you fall in thingy, love, then kicked you inna, inna, thingy. Thingy, in your mouth. Tongue. Tonsils. Teeth. That's what it, she, did. She wasa ... thing, you know, lady dog. Puppy. Hen. Bitch. And then you hated her and, and just when you thought you'd got her, it, out of your whatever, then she opened her great booming rotten heart to you, caught you off bal, bal, bal, thing. Ance. Yeah. Thassit. Never knew where where you stood. Lay. Only one thing you were sure of, you couldn't let her go. Because, because she was yours, all you had, even in her gutters...

Speaking of Vimes, this is our first introduction to him and the other members of the Watch. Vimes goes on one heck of a character arc in this book and throughout the series. He starts as a down in the gutter drunk to being quite the detective and able leader of the Watch. It is great fun to read. The remaining members of Watch are: Lance Constable Carrot, a 6'6" dwarf (he's adopted) and very literal minded when it comes to the Book of Law; Corporal Nobby Nobs; and Sargent Colon. The imposing and advocate for swamp dragons, Lady Sybil Ramkin makes her first appearance. Lord Vetinari, the enigmatic Patrician and ruler of Ankh-Morpork character is fleshed out into who he will be for the remainder of the series. His relationship with Vimes and how he rules the city in general is fascinating.

For anyone looking for a good place to start their Discworld adventure I highly recommend Guards! Guards!. It's a great introduction to the world, Pratchett's style of humor and it's cast of recurring characters. This one is a favorite of mine.

Rating:

>29 Narilka: Thanks, I need to be part of this culture! I did like the word play in the title.

>31 Karlstar: You and me both :)

I think I've gone as far as I my brain likes today playing catch up on reviews. I'll try to knock a few more out tomorrow.

So I got started with Small Gods. Pratchett is endlessly quotable. Another one of my favorites from the first few pages:

Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you.

Also from the first few pages Ahh the monks of history. Lu-Tze taking his mountain with him to visit Omnia because "the climate will be good for them." lol

>31 Karlstar: My husband was on this wavelength lol He went out for "hurricane supplies" and brought home everything to make us oreo icecream sundays lol While not technically baked goods I think it's close enough :D We are well inland and only expected to get some wind and rain so not overly worried at the moment.

>34 Narilka: Good luck, I hope that's all you get.

>35 Karlstar: All is well. The storm's path shifted enough overnight to keep us out of its direct path.

24. Siege Tactics by Drew Hayes



Siege Tactics is the fourth book in the Spells, Swords and Stealth series by Drew Hayes. With the Grand Quest concluded the party decides it's time to seek better answers to the mystery of the Bridge and to try to understand Gabrielle's new.... condition. The party sets off for Lumal, a city said to hold the most knowledge in the kingdom.

This is another good, if long, entry in the series. Through an unexpected circumstance, the characters both do and don't achieve their goal. It seems that each book focuses on a specific character in particular and it was nice to see Timiscore's advancement. I'm sure that will have an impact on the party's future. I also feel for Thistle. I'm very curious to see how Thistle's new motivation will interact with where Timiscore ended up. I also like just how much real life is intertwining with the game world now.

What's odd about this story is that while I like what the characters have uncovered, for all the action they go through it doesn't feel like things moved forward as much as I'd have thought it would.

Rating:

25. The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman



New achievement: You've read at least three books. What are you, a book collecting mole man? What are you planning to do, open a book shop? You need a new hobby. And a life. Reward: Since we can't stop you, you might as well move on to book 4 immediately.

I am so impressed with how layered this story is. There are so many elements - from the best and the worst of humanity to the absolutely insane scenarios the crawlers end up in, and solving in highly creative ways, and everything in between. It was a roller coaster ride on so many levels. I'm really glad we got to see everyone pull together on this floor to show what's possible when people work together to solve a floor in this crazy horror show of a game. I absolutely did not see the twist coming with Hekla though it was satisfying how it all worked out. On the downside, I'm starting to care about more of the side characters. It's going to suck when something happens to them. I'm assuming it's only a matter of time.

On to the next book and whatever fresh hell the dungeon has in store next for Carl, Donut, Katya and Mongo.

Rating:

26. Foreigner by CJ Cherryh



Foreigner is the first in the Foreigner series by CJ Cherryh. While the back of my book says this is a story of first contact, events occur a couple hundred years after that contact with the plot revolving around how humanity interacts with the natives of the planet in the time since landing.

This was very interesting. The book starts with two prologues that provide the background for the setting of the story to come. Once the narrative actually start, the story is told entirely from the point of view of Bren, the human diplomat for a local ruler (leader?) on an alien world. Cherryh did a great job of making the Atevi feel both familiar and other. I noticed some Asian inspirations and yet they were definitely not human. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Bren's character very much and could've used another POV to mix things up. I'm not sure I'll continue this series as I do not want to be in Bren's head for 20+ books, unless someone can say if he matures quickly?

This was my first time reading any of Cherryh's works. I think I'll go check out some of her other series.

Rating:

27. Playing the Matrix by Mike Dooley



Playing the Matrix is a program created by Mike Dooley to help people achieve transformation in their lives by combining the Law of Attraction with Holographic Universe concepts. Dooley has created a handy chart (aka, a matrix) to help guide you through the process, with frequent reminders that "thoughts become things" and to keep things big picture without attaching to the details. Life will surprise you if you let it! This is a great guide for anyone new to LoA or who hasn't had as much success with LoA as they'd like. Dooley's method is easy to understand and you can feel his enthusiasm and love for the subject on every page. While most of this information can be found for free across the internet, it's nice to have it all in one book for easy reference.

Rating:

28. Eric by Terry Pratchett



Reread 2024: While not as laugh out loud funny as some of the other Rincewind novels, this was still entertaining. Original review below.

------------

Eric is Discworld's only demonology hacker. All he wants is three wishes granted: the mastery of all kingdoms, to meet the most beautiful woman who ever existed, and to live forever. Unfortunately, instead of a powerful demon he conjures...Rincewind. Eric is disappointed as Rincewind tells him he is unable to create any of these things. It's not like he can actually make things happen at the snap of his fingers.

Eric is the parody retelling of Faust, Discworld style. Eric picks up right where Sourcery leaves of, with Rincewind stuck in the Dungeon Dimensions. The story is a quick, fun read with a great anti-hero in Rincewind. Pratchett humorously explores the idea of evil and that demons can learn from us humans (the concept of paperwork, for instance) as well as poking fun at a bit of history.

Rating:

>39 Narilka: I agreed with you after my first reading of Foreigner but something about it stayed in my head and I reread it. On the second time I enjoyed it a lot more and have continued with the series. However, I highly recommend the Chanur books, which I loved from the first moment.

29. The Ultimate Book of Fun Things to Do in Retirement Volume 1 by S. C. Francis



What a great ideas book! While primarily aimed at seniors that are either retired or about to retire, I think this book is great for anyone to read and get ideas for new things to try in your own life. The book is quite thorough and well thought out. I liked all the website and book references that can jump start your own research into a potential hobby or activity. Sometimes it got a little repetitive as some items over lapped categories so ended up listed several times. The items ranged from free or low cost to sky's the limit, from things to do at home to traveling the world, and everything in between. I highlighted many items myself for further review and to possibly try out later.

Rating:

>42 Sakerfalcon: Good to hear. I have the first Chanur on my wishlist :)

>44 Narilka: I have really enjoyed the Foreigner series, (22 books so far!). In the ninth book, Cherryh does split the narrative between Bren and another viewpoint character. Each perspective remains in tight third-person though so the writing style doesn't change very much. With Foreigner, it's good to keep in mind that the series is split into sub-trilogies. Each book ends with a bunch of loose threads that are mostly resolved by the third book in each trilogy. The overall story arc continues though so this is not a series to read out of order.

I am a bit of an outlier with Chanur. I found the action in them repetitive. The structure is also strange as there is a first book, then a trilogy, which is followed by a fifth book with a different protagonist. Structurally, it didn't really work for me - but the perspective being completely non-human was interesting. This is another series that should not be read out of order.

Her Alliance-Union universe is also very good. Most of those can be read as stand-alone, with the exception of Heavy Time and Hellburner, which should be read in that order. Cyteen and Regenesis also need to be read in order, and I suggest experiencing Forty Thousand in Gehenna as the events in that book are tangentially mentioned in the duology.

A short trilogy that I really enjoyed is The Faded Sun. One thing Cherryh does exceptionally well is write aliens that are truly alien and not just, "humans in rubber suits".

Sorry, this ended up longer than I intended when starting to type... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

>45 ScoLgo: No apology needed. That was good information. It's this One thing Cherryh does exceptionally well is write aliens that are truly alien and not just, "humans in rubber suits". that I want to give another series or two of hers a try. What about her Fortress series?

I agree with ScoLgo about the need to read the Foreigner series in order. Personally I have read other books by Cherryh as stand-alone novels -- Pride of Chanur and Hunter of Worlds. They may somehow fit into the narrative structure he outlines in #45, but it's not an issue if you read them as one-shot novels. I really liked the aliens in Hunter of Worlds.

>46 Narilka: I own around 40 of her books in print but don't have any of the Fortress books. There is an omnibus of it on my Overdrive wish list tho! ;)

Edit: >47 jillmwo: I want to read Hunter of Worlds but haven't run across a copy. Another good couple of stand-alone Cherryh novels are Cuckoo's Egg and Wave Without a Shore. All three are loosely related to Alliance-Union but can be read on their own.

>39 Narilka: This was one of our earliest group reads. I did enjoy it, and I believe I even bought a few more of the books in the series, but I never picked them up.

>47 jillmwo: >48 ScoLgo: >49 clamairy: Thanks for the input. I put a few on my wish list now so I can keep an eye out for them.

>39 Narilka: Like >42 Sakerfalcon: I recommend the Chanur books as being the most accessible of Cherryh's series, though I love the Foreigner series. She has so many series, that offer quite a bit of variety, so lack of enthusiasm for one is not a reliable filter for all of them. I like all of them, though sometimes her language/style choices seem overly complex.
Do not read The Russian Stories in any sort of a depressed mood.

>51 quondame: Thanks for the input :)

Updates on current reads...

I finished Not Till We Are Lost yesterday. I greatly enjoyed being back with the Bobs and in a more Boblike story. There's lots of interesting threads for the author to continue with since immortality means there is always a new problem or project going on. Icarus and Daedalus's story line remained my favorite throughout.

My next audio is The Eye of the Bedlam Bride. Posting reviews for the previous books made me miss Carl and Donut. I started this morning and Donut's recap was great. Then that prologue was interesting. So that's why Mordecai is furious with Odette! I can sympathize and find it interesting that the intervening years haven't changed his thoughts much, especially now that he knows a lot more about how the whole thing is run. Skyfowl must be great at holding grudges. I am both surprised and also not that Donut changed their starting location. This floor will be interesting. Ch 1 The only myth I can think of that might apply to Cuba is the chupacabera. I'm debating internet searching or letting the story surprise me. I know very little about Carribean myths in general. It also sounds like Donut's new class will be pretty awesome. I laughed out loud at the fact that everyone thinks Carl broke floor 7 lol

>53 Narilka: That's great news about the Bob audiobook. I think that's up next for me after I finish the two audiobooks I'm working on.

>54 clamairy: I hope you enjoy it too :)

More thoughts on current reads...

Small Gods Around 26% Vorbis is horrible. Hope he gets his comeuppance in an appropriate manner. It's been long enough that I no longer remember his fate. He was already horrible to Om by trapping him upside down and now the dolphin scene even though it's off page.

>46 Narilka: Belated answer to your query about the Fortress series. I've read the first three and they are richly-detailed, slow-burning, character-based fantasies. They are beautifully written. While there aren't any aliens in the books, the central character of Tristan was created by a magician and comes into the world as a blank slate. Innocent and knowing nothing, his view of the world is that of a total outsider. It's a fascinating series but one that needs time and concentration.

>57 Sakerfalcon: That sounds interesting too. I'll keep it on my wishlist to keep an eye out for it but knowing that it will be a lower priority read for the moment. Thanks!

In my current read...

The Eye of the Bedlam Bride Through Ch 13 I'm not sure about the whole trading card game aspect of the floor. I guess it's a wait and see. If it was any other author I'd assume it would be pretty boring to read since I'm not into that type of game.

Wow, poor Carl. That was a pretty horrible child hood. I mean we knew from previous that his dad was an abuser and his early life wasn't really great but wow. I do think the show presenter gave him enough of a hint though. I'm impressed.

The Eye of the Bedlam Bride Oh dear lord lol Started Ch 15 This godly thorn room is insane lol

Finished Ch 15 and I think it just got worse for them.

Through Ch 19 At least there's a plan for Katya & Donut's crown problem. The fact that 2 of the 3 options are in their favor helps with the odds a bit.

The foot scene... I wish I could unhear that! The AI is depraved.

There is no way Sister Inez won't be a problem. Hopefully they resolve that one way or another before the end of the floor.

I can't wait for them to catch up with Samantha.

The Eye of the Bedlam Bride I'm in ch 26 They just flagged the crab guy and they're about to meet up with Samantha and Che (spelling?) Maria. I admit a little apprehension because I sort of don't want Samantha to get a body again. She's just so hilarious as a disembodied head lol That will also probably enrage her and will make for an interesting fight or something. If anyone had told me 6 months ago that I'd be rooting for an animated sex doll's head I'd have thought they were crazy hahaha I'll find out in a few hours :)

I finished Small Gods. This was a deep and philosophical read. I am reminded again of the nature of belief and just how much I enjoy it when Pratchett makes me think. I'm very glad to have reread this.

I think I'm going to try The Last Murder at the End of the World next.

>62 Narilka: Adding it to my TBR. I guess I have to read Pyramids first... LOL

>62 Narilka: >63 clamairy: You folks are making me want to read Pratchett again. I've read some of his books but not all.

>63 clamairy: No need at all. The books feature different characters though share some themes and the basic Discworld setting. You could jump straight to Small Gods no problem.

>65 Narilka: Good, because I've already ready Hogfather.

My mom died today. I'm finding it difficult to read so will be taking a break. I know not to try and force this kind of thing. Take care all and let your loved ones know that you love them.

I'm so sorry. Losing a parent is very hard. Wishing comfort for you and your family ((hug))

>67 Narilka: I'm so sorry. Do whatever can bring you comfort and peace. Deepest condolences.

>67 Narilka: So sorry. Be kind to yourself and do whatever you need to do. {{{Hugs}}}

>67 Narilka: I'll be thinking of you. Do what you need to in this sad and stressful time.

>67 Narilka: Very sorry to hear that. Condolences to your and your family.

>67 Narilka: I am very sorry to hear that. I hope you have people around you that can support you and give you comfort. Take care of yourself.

>67 Narilka: So sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and the family & friends.

>67 Narilka: Like others above, and from a long way away, I can only offer all possible condolences.

>67 Narilka: Oh Gale, I am so deeply sorry. Please take some time for yourself. I will be holding you and yours in the light.

>67 Narilka: No words suffice, but you are in my heart today.

>67 Narilka: I'm so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and hoping that you, your family, and friends can support each other.

Thanks for the kind wishes everyone. They are much appreciated. We are taking it day by day and starting to chip away at all those things that have to happen after such an event. It's a lot! It has also been a blessing in disguise as I've reconnected with some family that I'd lost touch with and that has been lovely. Much love to you all, my LT family.

I am slowly working my way back to reading. I was able to finish a nonfiction book, Tax Alpha Solutions, which I'd won in a GoodReads Giveaway. It serves as a nice introduction for potential outside of the box tax solutions for high-net-worth individuals. The topics were covered only at a high level so additional reading/research would be required to learn more about any of the topics. While I'm not the target audience for the book, I did find a couple things that could be helpful and need to look further into for myself.

I'm going to attempt a short story next and see if I can do some fiction.

I read the short story Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson. It's a creepy and atmospheric entry that follows Silence Montane, who runs an inn in the middle of a haunted forest that's known as a safe place for travelers. Silence has a dangerous side job of bounty hunting that brings in most of the income she needs to keep the inn running. This story is about one of Silence's side jobs that doesn't go as planned.

Sanderson's world building is top notch. I would not want to be wandering this forest alone at night, though that might be safest. Silence is a strong lead with a brutal past and is fairly fleshed out for how short this story is. I liked how the story comes full circle at the end. Hopefully we get a full length novel in this world some day.

I'm going for it and am going to give Oathbringer a try next.

>81 Narilka: I loved this story! It's one of my favourite things that I've read by Sanderson.

>81 Narilka: Grief emerges differently every time you're faced with a new loss. One day at a time. And above all, have patience with yourself.

I read Shadows for Silence in the Forests a while back but any work from Sanderson is usually up to a rereading. It's a good length -- long enough to build a sense of the characters but not so long that you grow tired of their struggles.

>83 jillmwo: It's definitely a process. It comes and goes as I figure out how to make room for the loss. I don't think we ever really "get over" these things. We just get used to them.

I listened to a bunch of The Eye of the Bedlam Bride and finished it. Here are my notes... Through Ch 37 The first summoning of Uzi Jesus was hilarious.

The destruction of the Desperado was classic Carl chaos that he had almost nothing to do with hah Katya needs to eat the orchid asap and let Batista figure it out. He's a smart guy, he'll make it.

Odette's story is sad. It seems sincere. And can help Carl's main goal to break the system. I really hope she's honest and they can pull it off.

A Gold Prepotente box LOL And it screamed when opening lol Love it.

Through Ch 55 Ahh, so the AI is going rogue and taking over. That's interesting. Seems it might be screwing over the show runners too. Plus a lot of the aliens that came planetside to prep for faction wars? I'm glad that all the factions trying to get out of the event were denied. Or was it the demon thing that has caught the people on planet?

This has gotten complicated.

That flashback to Carl not getting the slugs cured and taking a ring instead seems like a really bad idea. I'm wondering if this will end up a Chekhov's Gun type thing. Though in this book or a future one?

The insanity on the beach with Sister Inez has started.

Through Ch 60. This book is making me sad. That the AI/game is forcing people to die by not having enough keys. I didn't feel bad about Qwan's death. Ren's scene, even though I'm not attached to her specifically, was hard. I really hope this series ends with Carl and Donut (and as many of the others as they can) burning it all down.

I finished yesterday and I still have an audio book hangover. Not sure I'll start a new audio book for a day or two.

That was completely nuts lol I think I say that at the end of each floor. And yet another set up for the next book that's going to be a hell of a ride. I'm highly impressed that Donut and the Princess Posse coordinated to bring in that many former crawlers. There is a lot of anger in the universe about this show and those factions have no idea what they're in for. Hell, Donut probably doesn't know the sheer numbers that their army is about to grow by since they went down the stairs before the ship gained entry.

I'm so glad that Prepotente seems to have forgiven Carl. I really hope they group with him again.

That ending with Imani hit me in the feels. He called her family.

I can't decide if I hope Carl gets rid of the Eye ASAP or if he figures out an alternate use for it like he did those slugs.

I think the AI is on Carl's side in it's own way, even disregarding the foot fetish. Faction wars are going to be interesting.

I have no idea how to write a review for this book.

Preorder for DCC7 is up on Audible. Release date is showing Feb 11. I know what I'll be listening to this coming Feb.

Yep, my preorder is in. The stakes get higher with each installment and I'm anxious about what is coming.

>86 Darth-Heather: No kidding. Heck parts of book 6 gave me anxiety while listening!

Oathbringer Prologue. Huh. Did I read that right? Did Gavilar just give the Listeners a void spren in a gem, starting the whole insane war to unite his people? Lordy.

Through Ch 10 I'm glad Kaladin got the punch in on Roshone and stopped. He could've broken his oath if he'd gone too far yet was still satisfying. He's also learning that you can't go home - it's never the same as when you left.

It's also nice being back with these characters after a month off.

Dalinar's flashback and the description of the Thrill. I can't decide if it's like going berserk but retaining control, a sort of battle-lust, or if it's a little like the rhythms of the listeners.

>84 Narilka: Yes. Some people call it healing, I call it growing accustomed to the pain. Still sending good thoughts your way.

>89 clamairy: Thanks Clare. It's much appreciated.

Oathbringer Through Ch 14. Pattern is adorable lol "No mating!"

Also, I thought the math joke was hilarious. I'm a geek.

"What," Pattern said with a hum, "is a chaperone?"

"That is someone who watches two young people when they are together, to make certain they don't do anything inappropriate."

"Inappropriate?" Pattern said. "Such as... dividing by zero?"

hehehehe

I like that Kaladin is seeing a different side of the "voidbringers." I'm thinking the former parshmen might not live up to the fables though it seems like the listeners do. All those years as peaceful salves must not be easy to change on a dime.

The spren might be my favorite characters so I'm glad we will meet more. Or I assume we will given the whole world set up.

Oathbringer Through Ch 19 Interesting that stormlight healed Dalinar enough to remember his wife. I guess that curse was messing up parts of his soul or something.

I'm not sure I like Shallan's current trajectory. She isn't dealing well with the truth she had to reveal and can't bury any more. In fact she isn't dealing with it at all. I see why there was mention of multiple personality disorder as she tries to hide in other personas to escape her truth. Pretty sure it won't work long term, not if she's meant to stay a Radiant, and probably why Pattern thinks she'll kill him. I know it's still early yet and I'm thinking she'll come around enough to be functional when the main action starts at the end of the book. Or not. RAFO.

Dalinar's backstory is interesting and also uninteresting at the same time. 3 flashbacks basically the same - showing how he's a great brute of a fighter and bad with people. Which explains how poor he is at diplomacy currently. He's been terrible at it his whole life.

Finished Part 1 and Interludes. That unmade was interesting. I guess more on that later in the book.

I'm glad Jasnah is back :)

I definitely see Shallan's multiple personalities forming. Hope it doesn't go to far. She sort of has control still.

Venli's interlude was sad. And also interesting. A redemption spren? Did we see that little comet spren before, the one by Eshoni's body?

Oathbringer I'm through Ch 42. I think I see how this could have been shorter. All the extra POVs! Getting POV chapters for some of Bridge 4's members is interesting but they could've been cut and the important parts put in Kaladin's chapters. I didn't need to read about Teft's drug addiction. Nor Rock's reunion with his family though it was sweet. I get that Sanderson wants this to feel like a real, lived in world. It already does to me based on the two previous books and didn't need extras as much. Kind of like the interludes that are there just to show off other areas of Roshar that have no impact or input on the main story at all. They could easily have been in a short story collection instead of adding a couple hundred pages to the main books.

I'm also past the part that explains how Gavilar was part of that cult to bring back the desolations in an attempt to force the Heralds to appear and bring back Radiants. /facepalm

I'm also getting annoyed with Shallan. Her version of dissociative disorder isn't that much fun to read about. It feels more like she's cosplaying roles at her conscious decision to avoid tasks "Shallan" doesn't want to do yet still accomplish. "Shallan" has good intentions and is rubbish at following through on things but "Veil" is good at follow through so I'll let "Veil" do it. Even Pattern told her to just be more of an adult! The acting experience can be highly useful if she fully leans in to the spy-like role she's giving herself.

I hate to say it but this is becoming a chore to read. I don't doubt there will be a spectacular wind up to an exciting finish. I just wished I enjoyed the journey more. Especially since WOR was about perfect.

I started an audio book titled Heretical Fishing. It's a cozy cultivation fantasy about a guy who was a CEO and is transported into a fantasy world after he dies in our world. There are some litrpg elements though they've been very minor so far as the story follows Fischer (ex-CEO) who just wants to enjoy some fishing in his next life. I'm enjoying the story immensely as I find it relaxing, funny and adorable with some of the animals Fischer has awakened.

Through 50% It's mostly a fantasy farming world where somehow, unexplained, the gods left and now fishing is a heretical pastime. Fischer is a likable guy so his new neighbors look past his odd hobby, especially given how helpful he is.

He has a crab he's named Sargent Snips and now an adorable otter named Corporal Claws :) I'm guessing that Snips and Claws are going to bring the lobster that Snips found to Fischer for awakening. Won't that be funny when the cult guy finds out, if I'm guessing correctly. There's a cult that worships lobsters lol

I'm also wondering how many people in the village Fischer will end up start on the path to cultivation. So far he has accidentally awoken his neighbor Barry. At least Fischer figured out that his food does the trick. It could be a bad time for the folks in the capital that are trying to keep it all well controlled lol

There's a potential romantic interest. It's light in tone. I could see her being one of the people he also ends up awakening.

Oathbringer Finished part 2! So that's Odium. Very interesting. I'm curious if he's the one who sent the visions or is just piggy backing on one to talk to Dalinar.

Poor Dalinar - Lift is going to visit soon lol there goes Urithuru!

While I don't like Moash as a character, I am liking his chapters for a look at the enemy. So many of the Fused are insane. And they get a new body from a regular Parshman when the die? I think that's what that lady indicated.

Second set of Interludes. The soulcaster's POV was interesting. It highlights what Jasnah said in book 1 about that being a dangerous and difficult ability. I wonder if they all end up that way or if it's different for a Radiant that can also soulcast.

And more insight into Odium and his.. um.. champions? Not sure that's the right word but it will do. It confirms that yes, the old souls do take over bodies of currently living Parshendi/Parshmen and send their souls on to whatever happens next. It's a tad creepy.

Through Ch 61 Ahh, they're off on the expedition to the capital. This is very interesting! I'm sure it won't go as planned though the mix of espionage and action will be fun :) Also funny that Shallan gave Kaladin such a horrible face lol

>94 Narilka: Not sure if I'm the right audience for Heretical Fishing but you certainly make it sound intriguing.

>94 Narilka: I'm not entirely sure that Heretical Fishing is right for me either, but as >96 jillmwo: said, it sounds intriguing. I note that the author lives "on the beautiful shores of the Gold Coast, Australia", according to Amazon. (Although some might quibble with the description of the Gold Coast as beautiful, there are parts of it that are pretty good.) Unfortunately, the pb is A$40 from Amazon Australia. I can see why the local libraries don't have it.

>96 jillmwo: >97 haydninvienna: He's an Australian author and the audio book has an Australian narrator. It's funny that the main character is also from Australia and uses some of your common slang that confuses the fantasy world locals hehe I'm not sure if I've caught it all myself though he does explain it at times. I used an Audible credit so didn't look at other formats until just now. It's a KU title in the States if you're a member, currently $5 for ebook and $22 for paperback. No idea about the rest of the world. It appears the first 8 chapters of book 1 is still up on Royal Road if you wanted to give it a try - https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/67114/heretical-fishing-a-cozy-guide-to-annoyi...

>98 Narilka: I was reading an excerpt from the kindle on Amazon UK (no kindle in Australia, seemingly — way to go, Amazon, supporting Australian authors) and I propped at the reference to an esky at the beginning of the second para of the prologue. "Esky" is another of the brand names that has become "genericised", although I see that Coleman (a US company) has bought it. I'm not happy about that, but I doubt that it will make much difference: most Australians will go on calling a cooler an "esky" regardless of the name on it, just as a paper tissue is a kleenex regardless of the name of n the box.

>99 haydninvienna: I am shocked that there's no Kindle in Australia. Seems like Amazon is missing a huge market.

>94 Narilka: It does sound intriguing and fun. Happy reading!

Heretical Fishing through Ch 74 Aww, that's so nice that Barry, Claws and Snips are planning a way to keep Fischer protected since cultivators in this world tend to be forcibly restrained. I hope we are let in on the plan before the book is finished.

Fischer and Maria's camping trip is sweet and G rated. She enjoys fishing way too much now that she's tried it lol I don't enjoy the sport myself though the author has made it entertaining. It helps that the characters get bites a few minutes after casting the line into the water.

Snips and Claws have grown powerful. I wonder if Fischer could do similar if he tried or what his power would be based on. They dealt with the prince and his cultivators well and I expect some complications. Though with Leroy back home, that should be a help. Plus I think Barry is going to awaken his wife.

Fischer has a lot of changes he's coming home to hah

Oathbringer Through Ch 68 Hoid's back. I don't know if that's good or bad for our little group looking to liberate Kholinar since he wasn't brought to help Shallan. Also it's interesting insight that he knows to go where he's needed but doesn't always know why. I'm looking forward to his series whenever they get written.

I liked Dalinar's conversation with Lift. I like Lift more as a character since reading her novella. I do wish he'd asked for a demonstration of her slipperiness. He'd have enjoyed that.

Through 76 It's sad that Dalinar caused his wife's death though not surprising. Plus it's not entirely his fault. Why would she ever think it was a good idea to go to the city he's planning to burn to stop him? He tried her way and it failed spectacularly with him buried under a mound of boulders, only living due to shard plate and him needing to let out his rage. How could she have thought that would be a good idea?? Their marriage was really a bad match with their different world views for where they were at in life at that point.

Given his flashbacks I also don't understand why Dalinar is baffled that no one wants to work with him. I liked his epiphany when he finally goes to that one city, sees how it's nearly destroyed with its people suffering and the ruler just can't focus on other things right now but her people's immediate problems of survival. He's finally learning empathy. I hope it's not a one off.

Oathbringer I finished part 3. It ends on an exciting cliffhanger and then goes straight to interludes, which irritates me to no end. I flipped ahead. It's 5 interludes + 1 flashback chapter before resuming the main story. I did some internet searching and it turns out that the interludes are a controversial topic with a lot of first time readers having a similar issue to what I'm experiencing and responses from fans being, mmm, interesting.

Instead I'm going to try this for the remainder of Oathbringer - I'm going to let the chapter icons be my guide. I'm going to read all the "generic" Interlude icon chapters, which appear to represent just world building chapters, for the rest of the book right now and read the ones with specific character icons, which typically are plot relevant, in the flow with the rest of the story and see how it works for me.

Now I'm debating just finishing off the flashback chapters too. Then I can read the main story straight through. Hmmm.

Heretical Fishing through Ch 88 Fischer just called them all out on their plans to form a cult of cultivators lol I have no idea how he really noticed it all but it was still pretty funny.

How much longer until Maria realizes she's on the path to cultivation?

And finished. That was a delight to read. 4 stars. I love the addition of Cinnamon the Bunny :D I like how it all worked out with the Cult of the Leviathan, the Cult of Carcinisation (which is a real theory) and the town having a hidden cultivator cult lol Plus I'm not quite sure the logic of when they switch from cult status to church but no worries! Good thing no one in the capital is paying attention to their old technology. This will give the residents of Tropica time to get themselves loosely organized for whatever shenanigans happen next. I also wonder what they're going to do with that whiny princeling.

Now to figure out what to listen to next.

Oathbringer I have started my experiment. I finished all the Interludes after part 3. If Venli has attracted a "normal" spren does that mean she can bond it like a human or will she have to put it in her gemheart? That seems to be where her chapters are heading so RAFO as always. And the one additional "generic icon" interlude for the remainder of the book. I-13 Rysn. I'll see if that theft attempt gets mentioned in the main story soon enough.

Part 4 starts with a flashback chapter so yeah, I went and read all of those for part 4. I like this. A lot more is making sense for me now! I feel less frustrated. Jasnah reading The Way of Kings to Dalinar after Gavilar's funeral, it's literally about swearing the oaths and choosing a Radiant path. The oaths are the most important words a man can say. It's so simple in hindsight lol I can also see why it was a hard puzzle to figure out considering that their lore of the Radiants that we've been exposed to didn't mention any of it and neither did the book itself. The author must have assumed that would remain common knowledge.

I did not expect his wife's death to hit him like it did, though perhaps it was the combination of that and him being the cause of the death of an entire city at the same time. He just didn't seem that romantic or attached to her and the only parts of her we got were of them in conflict. I liked the moments with Adolin and Renarin, even if painful. It showed his eventual growth into a better father.

Part 5 has one flashback chapter so I read it too. And that answered that. He had personal attention from Cultivation. Plus she told him his memories would come back eventually. Not that he could remember until they did hah

Now I can see how they fit in the general story flow, if they're as impactful to the main story beats or if it wasn't a big deal.

Oathbringer Through Ch 95 Due to my tangent I had to reread a little bit of part 3 to remember what happened lol For some reason I'd thought little prince Gav had been picked up by our group but nope, he was taken back by city guards. Poor kid. That might be the real tragedy in all this. Anyway...

So got that one and only hint about Azure. Had to pay attention to the hair color change but even that was very subtle. I'd probably have missed it without a friend's earlier hint. She's a character from Warbreaker.

This walk through Shadesmar is interesting. I wonder if Adolin will heal his sword's spren somehow. She gets pointed out a lot. I'm also very curious where they'll end up coming out. Hopefully I'll know by the end of part 4.

I'm liking Szeth's chapters a lot. Finally, explanation around the oaths! So there's 5 tiers and each grants different abilities. Hopefully we get to see each of our mains as they swear the different ones. It also shows the squire process nicely since the Skybreakers never forgot and can do it deliberately, unlike the rest of the world we're aware of. If those guys could ever team up with the rest of the Radiants they'd bring a hell of a lot of knowledge and speed up many of the stuff our regular group is currently struggling through.

There was one flashback chapter in here. Not a big deal yet, it didn't impact the current story at all since it was sandwiched between Shadesmar travel.

On audio I decided to start Cat Core. It's a book I picked up in a 2-for-1 Audible sale last year. So far, so good. It's a LitRPG told from the perspective of the dungeon. Funny enough it has a similar start to Heretical Fishing, with the main character being hit by a car in the first chapter and transferring to a fantasy world. That happens in Ch 1 so not a huge spoiler. The similarities end there as the MC reincarnates as a dungeon core, completely in error by the game system, and now has to figure out what that means so she can start building her dungeon out for players to run through as the change appears permanent. The old lady is very feisty, a proper old southern lady, and I don't think the system quite knows how to handle her lol I'll report back as I progress.

>94 Narilka: I am also intrigued by this one. Might add it to the Libby wishlist.

>109 clamairy: I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.

Oathbringer Through Ch 100 Interesting that the Thrill is a side effect of an unmade. Seems it could be "cured" from the Alethi psyche if they deal with the creature.

Cosmere connection I'm also seeing some inspiration for Tress's world and Shadesmar. The spore seas are very similar to the bead seas, though different working mechanics. I wonder if that means Tress's planet has more interaction with Cognative or something? I'm tired and not sure I"m getting my idea across well.

I finished. That ending was fantastic. Quick thoughts...

F*ck Moash.

And I really like Taravangian. I'm sad he decided to side with Odium. Fear is quite a motivator.

So humans are the original Voidbringers. That's going to mess with a lot of people's heads.

Lift + Nightblood + Szeth = pure gold lol

Lift having her own novella helped with background and her appearance in this book. I still contend that Sanderson could've done similar for the Bridge 4 crew instead of their chapters. Plus a short story collection of those guys could include more of them. Though doesn't Dawnshard feature one of them? I"ll find out soon.

I love that Dalinar learned to read. That makes so much sense for the cover of book 5. Hell, the scene could've been from this book when he faced down Odium with a copy of the Way of Kings.

I'd love to read their version of the Way of Kings. The bits we got in this were interesting.

It was still too long and too slow in the middle. It reminded me of the second Mistborn in that regard. The payoff was worth it though.

I'm really glad that the bridge guys rescued little prince Gav.

The epilogue I didn't realize that the spren Wit picked up was supposed to be Elokhar's. Aww, that's very nice and also sad. I was wondering if Wit was going to try to bond a spren but thought (Cosmere Spoiler) he had bonded that intellect spren we met in Yumi so was starting to wonder. I hope that's something we'll find more about in the far future whenever his series is written.

I'm happy with my experiment. It let me read the main story without interruptions by interludes, which was driving me crazy. I'll probably go with that when I start Rhythm of War. But first, I need a break and am going to read Lords and Ladies.

I'm through Ch 9 of Cat Core. It's entertaining so far. The first set of adventurers went through the dungeon. Hopefully Florence takes some of their feedback and updates the dungeon accordingly. Seems she's getting a lot of credit for her creativity as there aren't many dungeons that are set up like a house.

I am having problems with the kitties being the target of violence even though they're technically dungeon mobs and will be respawned. I'm a huge cat lover, writing this spoiler with one in my lap, and it makes me wince as I visualize the story.

I also really like the voice narrator, Andrea Parsneau.

Cat Core through ch 19 Aww, the tea party was nice. I hope that Florence talking to the nice adventuring group isn't going to bite them all in the end. I do like how that one party member is having fun collecting the doilies with kitties on them lol

So the neighboring Lich came to say hi. I assume it's the lich mentioned in the title of book 2. I wonder if he'll come visit again in this book at all.

The thing with the adventuring guild rating was interesting.

I am NOT liking the adventuring party that's about to enter.

Lords and Ladies Pratchett has such a way with words. I love this description of the "very small highwayman":

It was hard to see much from this angle, because of the short body and the wide hat. It was like looking at a well-dressed mushroom with a feather in it.

"I do apologize for this," said the very small highway man. "I find myself a little short."

hehehe

I'm enjoying this very much :) I'm about a third of the way in. Granny facing off against a new witch, oh dear lol

>114 Narilka: Thanks for the quotations. I did enjoy that one quite a bit. I need to revisit them all soon.

Cat Core through ch 26. I find myself enjoying this more than I expected :) It's fun how Florence is upgrading herself as she levels and testing against the characters. It was nice of her for giving her favorite group a chest for making it so far but not all the way through. And hilarious that the doilies are magic once you complete a set lol That merchant that has figured out how to trade dungeons for loot is very creative too.

Lords and Ladies I'm a bit over half way through and have gone past one of my favorite Discworld quotes:

Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder.

Elves are marvellous. They cause marvels.

Elves are fantastic. They create fantasies.

Elves are glamorous. They project glamour.

Elves are enchanting. They weave enchantment.

Elves are terrific. They beget terror.

The thing about words is that meanings can twist just like a snake, and if you want to find snakes look for them behind words that have changed their meaning.

No one ever said elves are nice.

Elves are bad.

>117 Narilka: I love that quote. I thought of it a lot when I was reading the Dresden books and he was interacting with the fey.

>117 Narilka: Yup. Excellent quote. (Pratchett always seems to generate a bunch of highlighted passages in my Kindle editions!)

"Elves are terrific. They beget terror."

Now I'm going to have to Google how the word terrific became a positive superlative. I guess it's similar to the way my kids use "sick" nowadays.

>118 MrsLee: Oh that's a great comparison. Pratchett uses more classical elves/fey and that fits nicely.

>119 jillmwo: Me too :) I swear half his books could be highlighted hah

>120 clamairy: Can you report back your findings? Now I'm curious.

I found this on The Week, and it's what I expected.

Why does 'terrible' mean bad and 'terrific' mean good?

Terrible and terrific are both formed off the same root: terror. Both started out a few hundred years ago with the meaning of terror-inducing. But terrific took a strange turn at the beginning of the 20th century and ended up meaning really great, not terrible or terror-inducing at all.

This happened through a slow reshaping of the connections and connotations of terrific. First it acquired the sense, not just of terror-inducing but of general intensity. You could talk about a "terrific clamor," meaning a whole lot of clamor. This was a bit of hyperbole — "so much noise it was terror-inducing!" — that eventually got reduced to a general sense of "more intense than usual." Once a word like that gets established as a general intensifier, it may also be applied to positive experiences — terrific beauty, terrific joy — and from there the jump to a fully positive "terrific!" isn't so unexpected. The same thing happened to the word tremendous ("causing one to tremble in fear"). It happened to formidable (fear-inducing) too, but only in French, where it means "really great!" It hasn't quite reached that stage in English, but it has acquired positive intensifier status ("a formidable talent").

>122 clamairy: Thank you for that. I love the twisty history of words.

>122 clamairy: That is actually interesting. Terrific finding! *snort* (See what I did there?...)

>122 clamairy: That's really interesting. Thanks for sharing.

>122 clamairy: Fascinating. Thanks for that.

>122 clamairy: Muchly ta for that clarification.

Lords and Ladies I'm around 80% through. More great wordplay/quotes:

He kept repeating, "They just laughed and stabbed her. She didn't even try to run away. It was like they were playing."

For some reason Magrat shot a look at Greebo, who had the decency to look embarrassed.

"Pointy ears and hair you want to stroke," she said, vaguely. "And they can fascinate you. And when they're happy they make a pleasing noise."

Very aptly comparing elves and cats hah

And

Queen Ynci had probably never seen a tapestry in her life and undoubtedly had a temper shorter than a wet cowpat.

OMG I need to figure out how to work that into a sentence lol

And

"Anyway," she nudged Casanunda, "you should be right at home on one of these. Magrat says a broomstick is one of them sexual metaphor things."*

*Although this is a phallusy.

hahahaha This whole section with Nanny and Casanunda is full of double entendre.

Plus...

All the clever quantum physics! And Granny + Ridcully aww. I'm so proud of Magrat for finding her spine.

It's funny how this section is pretty dark and yet I'm having a great time.

I finished Cat Core. The ending took a surprising turn. I enjoyed it enough to want to continue the series so I downloaded Lich's Bargain to start next.

>128 Narilka: You are making me want to revisit the witches! But I still have a bunch of other Discworld books I haven't read yet... Such a dilemma.

>130 clamairy: Sounds like a pretty great dilemma :D

I finished Lords and Ladies. That was pure awesome. A couple more quotes I enjoyed:

"Go back," said Granny. "You call yourself some kind of goddess, and you know nothing, madam, nothing. What don't die can't live. What don't live can't change. What don't change can't learn. The smallest creature that dies in the grass knows more than you. You're right. I'm older. You've lived longer than me but I'm older than you. And better'n you. And, madam, that ain't hard."

"Everything happens somewhere. I know. I know. So it's all the same in the end."

"That's very continuinuinuum thinking, Esme."

Pratchett was brilliant.

Next up, Dawnshard.

Quite agree with you >132 Narilka: Loads of good quotes from his books

I finished Dawnshard. It's a novella that fits between books 3 and 4 of the Stormlight Archives featuring Rysn and Lopen. I enjoyed this a lot. While I like the small snippets in the interludes even as they irritate me, this is a lot more satisfying look at both characters. Plus Lopen's cousin Huio and Rock's daughter, Cord.

Chirri-Chirri is ABSOLUTELY a dragon :D And there are two more out there somewhere. Can they also grow if given the right circumstances?

I liked the representation of Rysn's condition - she's a paraplegic after events in one of the interludes. She's not helpless or broken, and it was interesting to get her thoughts about other's reactions when they meet her. It was a great way to show a type of character I don't encounter often (or ever) in the media I consume. Her Babsk will be proud of the trade she achieved, even if she can't tell him it in its entirety initially. This also sets Rysn up for later since she's now the embodiment of a piece of Andolisum. Unless she can die a natural death and it passes on or something? Who knows! Eventually Sanderson will write it.

I liked seeing more of Lopen. His spren is just as zany as he is! Nice life lesson he had to learn too. Lopen was fairly clueless about how his "jokes" were hurting those around him. Character growth.

This takes me to the chonker Rhythm of War next.

I'm 50% through Lich's Bargain and enjoying it. It was very nice that the system gave Florence and Doug several years back on earth together. They became quite the gamers! Also pretty great they gave Florence the ability to understand Doug as if they were still in a Dungeon even though everyone else just heard him meow.

Florence has gotten her dungeon home set back up and ready to go. It's a tad repetitive but different enough that I didn't mind too much. I wonder what's up with that other shattered core though so looking forward to seeing how that plays out.

Rhythm of War I made it through 4 chapters and then got side tracked by Shallan's dissociative identity disorder. Not book related, putting behind spoilers so it's easy to skip if desired. I've been very curious if how Sanderson was portraying the condition was accurate because the only other experience I have about this is from tv/movies and we all know how well Hollywood gets things right lol Reading through some psychology sites was unhelpful as it sound like Sanderson was off base because she just switches through personalities like clothes and supposedly real people with this syndrome have bouts of amnesia when personalities switch, can't really force a switch, with lost time and other things that Shallan never encounters (and could be problematic to the story).

Then I found a subreddit with real people discussing their experiences. That was interesting and uncomfortable to read through. This thread was where I started and then it's easy enough to browse the rest of the subreddit if you want: https://www.reddit.com/r/DID/comments/8na2lh/rdid_qa_want_to_know_what_its_like_...

It also seems like Shallan may have the OSDD-1b version, which keeps their memories: https://multiplicity.fandom.com/wiki/OSDD-1b

And a friend sent me this, which he watched to better understand the disorder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek7JK6pattE&rco=1

Seems it's not well understood and very personal to each individual.

Back to the book, through Ch 4 Another prologue and another viewpoint adding to the layers of what was really going on. I wonder if we ever truly find out. Maybe by book 10? Does it even really matter?

That new type of Fused is interesting.

Navani's floating platform/ship is cool! So many applications for use but probably vulnerable to flying Fused until they can figure out defenses. That will be neat to see progress.

Your spoiler comment that follows "Back to the book, through Ch 4" is why I gave up on this series, though I quit after Book 3. Too much information that may or may not be relevant, or interesting, too many words that might be useless.

>137 Karlstar: I can understand that. Book 3 had some very slow/sloggy sections too which doesn't help. Fingers crossed book 4 is more like book 2 for me, which just really flowed aside from some interludes.

I finished Lich's Bargain. I did not see that ending coming! Poor Florence having her dungeon destroyed a second time and in some pretty spectacular circumstances. It's nice that she's getting a final chance to hunt Beracaz though she's going to have a heck of a time at it given the short duration she has in addition to needing to level up first. I assume she'll run into that new dungeon we're introduced to at the end also. Hope she can save it. I think I'll start the final book and finish the series.

Rhythm of War Through Ch 8 and a couple pages of Ch 9. The epigraphs and Cosmere connections. Ok. I'm seeing ties back to Scadrial and Mistborn. I need to go grab one of my Mistborn books and look up the metal's properties. The one I do remember of the top of my head that's been mentioned, pewter, is for strength and is noted to "express its attribute in force" for a fabrial in the epigraph of Ch 9. I can't for the life of me remember what aluminum did. Connections!

Back to the story. Kaladin. Sigh. I really hope at some point we don't have to reiterate his depression at the beginning of each book so he can pull out of it. I get it. Depression is rough and can strike at any time especially considering how stressful the circumstances our characters are under. Roshar needs to develop talk therapy/psychiatry stat.

I am very curious about that Fused's fabrial. Hopefully Navani can learn from it soonish.

Happy Thanksgiving to those that celebrate :D Like me. I'm so full right now lol For those not in the USA, hope you all had a great day.

Rhythm of War Ch 12 & 13 I think it's interesting that the same questions I had about Shallan's DID came up here and was talked about. That's pretty cool. I also like that they're trying to address Kaladin's issues too. And they want Wit's help lol He probably could be helpful if he wanted.

That was quite a reveal from Mraize about Gavilar somehow getting stormlight from another planet in the solar system. I guess traveled there from Shadesmar? Is that the original human planet?

It's an interesting "chicken" Mraize has as a pet. Part bird of prey, part parrot.

Finished part 1 + interludes. I still hate Moash. He needs to be offed. Taravangian I feel more compassion for as he sees his act more as a service/sacrifice for his people and doesn't like that he has to ally with Odium. Moash is just a selfish ass. Since Taravangian is preparing for death I'm sure he'll live for longer than he expects.

Though I'm not crazy about Venli's POV, I prefer it to more flashbacks.

I really enjoyed Syl's POV Interlude. She's such an innocent-ish character. There is pure joy with her. I'm glad she talked with Dalinar. She told him everything about being a Bonsdmith in a short paragraph lol and also was reminded that she is likely more like Kaladin than she remembers. Funny how coping with bad memories seems to be a huge theme of these books. I wonder if it's just something Sanderson is fascinated with or if it is part author insert.

I can't help thinking Kaladin made a mistake picking to be a surgeon again. He doesn't handle losing people well and doctors can't heal everyone. Just like he couldn't save everyone in his squads in the army. We'll see how this plays out.

Same for this latest trip to Shadesmar. I feel luke warm about it currently.

I really wish we'd get more POVs of spren.

I finished Road Trip today. It was a great ending to the series. I'm glad Florence ended up doing what I hoped she would. It would make for an awesome spin off series. I can't remember the last time I actually finished a series in less than two months :D

Rhythm of War Through Ch 27 These epigraphs are quite interesting. They speak of the shards and other worlds. I'm sure they've been picked apart by fans so I look forward to being able to internet search them when I finish.

Aww, Teft has joined Kaladin and they are going to try and figure out a Rosharan form of psychology and care for the worst off mental health patients. Kaladin can help himself in the process.

I find myself less interested in the whole spy/Ghostbloods business currently. I'm ready for that part to get over with and them get to the Honorspren area. Or make it super interesting and have Adolin be the spy. Talk about unexpected!

I also miss Jasnah and Dalinar POVs. I read somewhere they were left out deliberately for now with more focus either in the second half of this book or in book 5.

Through ch 36. Interesting. The spy story line finally has my attention. The idea that it is Pattern fits nicely though doesn't answer all my questions. How would he have killed someone? Though I imagine a poisoned needle could be light enough for a spren? I do think I know a spoiler here, which I discovered by accident after trying to look up something after my Oathbringer read. EXTRA SPOILER! I accidentally had spoiled that Pattern is not Shallan's first spren. So she's hiding from the knowledge that another bond died, but the question is if she did it or someone else and she was forced to witness. And how/why do the Ghostbloods fit in? END SPOILER. I think it's tied together somehow. I'll find out soon-ish.

I like a lot that Kaladin has invented group therapy for the people in the sanitarium with deep depression. Between what he's doing for people and what Adolin is doing for Maya, I could see them comparing notes on other things to try to help out even more people and deadeyes. Perhaps his progress with Maya is what finally sways the Honorspren.

A hope I have for the future That Adolin is able to bring back Maya. Since spren don't really die die (they're only MOSTLY dead, not all dead), it should theoretically be possible even if no one's seen it yet.

I'm in Ch 38 and annoyed with Venli. She's currently on the side with the goal of the complete genocide of the human race and she wants there to be no more deaths??? For someone who basically started this whole thing going, she is an utter idiot.

I also flipped ahead to look at chapter icons for the remainder of this part and we don't go back to Shadesmar until at least part 3 (I stopped at the interludes). Sigh!

Finished part 2 + interludes. I liked Lift's interlude a lot. Glad it was included.

I was REALLY hoping that Kaladin would finally speak the 4th ideal during the invasion of the tower and now I'm a bit disappointed. Perhaps this is in the mythical chapter 110 :D I was initially thinking someone important dies but maybe not.

Actually I think both Kaladin and Lift might be close to their 4th ideals. Come on anyone!

Even though Venli serves to give us insight into what the enemy is up to, I'd be happy to never have her POV again. It makes me put the book down. I'm sure this is some sort of redemption arc for her. We'll see if she switches sides.

Before writing this I opened Franziska's ch 30 spoiler (a BR friend on another forum) with the theory that maybe Shallan is her own spy because that 4th personality is actually taking over from time to time and they're having amnesia. That's a fascinating theory and I like it a lot better than Pattern being the spy.

Onward!

Please stop putting spoiler tags inside spoiler tags. The inside ones won't open, at least using chrome on my android phone.

>145 jjwilson61: Huh. I didn't realize you couldn't nest spoilers. It didn't work on my desktop's firefox either. I removed them and just added plain text to indicate where it's at.

Rhythm of War Additional Cosmere musings. Spoilers for Mistborn, both eras. I like that Odium can be tricked by "dumb" Taravangian. I also think the note that Odium acts human at times is telling. It fits with the Epigraphs from Sazed with the warnings to beware the host/shell (I forget exact phrasing) which leads me to believe that all the shards could be like him - mortals that took in Shard powers. Sure, the powers make them godly and immortal but they still have the failings of their original species since that's how their minds think. I mean look at Era 2 and how much Sazed accidentally inhibited the people's of that world's progress by making things too easy? No more mistborn...

Oh bloody hell. There are flashback chapters after all. Time to go grab my physical copy and get them all over with before continuing the real story.

If I ever reread this series I will probably skip them. Funny enough, there are people over on Tor's series reread that also aren't fans: https://reactormag.com/rhythm-of-war-reread-chapter-forty-five/

I finished 3 more flashbacks in part 3. A note on one, Ch 52 Axindweth. Has she been mentioned before this book? That name really reminds me of a Terris name. I wonder if she's from Scadrial. She does wear a lot of rings. It could be Feruchemy? Storing connection would let her learn the local language pretty fast. I really need to pull look at the Mistborn metal lists again.

Also it's sad that Venli and Eshoni's mom seems to have dementia.

Rhythm of War I finished all the flashbacks. Not a whole lot to say about them. I'll see how they fit with the rest of the story.

Ch 46. Wait a minute. How many of Kaladin's nightmares are organic vs Moash? I really hate that guy. Will someone kill him already??!

Ch 51/52/53. It's nice to have a flashback that felt immediately relevant to the main story, not just filling in world or character building, as Venli catches Timbre up on her past. I still think most of the flashbacks could've been shorter and handled in line with the relevant chapters in a more succinct manor, like the times "Kaladin remembers..." in Oathbringer. Then they wouldn't have killed the story momentum so much. Or published in a short story collection for people to buy. It's not like there aren't references back to both of the novella's in the story already.

I started Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons on audio. I'm only in a couple chapters and am liking the Jane Austin feel.

Rhythm of War I was thinking more about Moash. He makes for a great antagonist. Doesn't mean I like him, he still needs to go! :D And I bet he's still alive at the end of this too because he's such a great antagonist for Kaladin. In some ways Kaladin's character growth relies on Moash. I really hope Kal realizes that he can't save everyone and it probably doesn't go against his oaths.

Ch 64. What a tease! Just as Wit is about to reveal interesting info about the leader of the Ghostbloods we switch to another chapter and no more Jasnah POV's for the rest of part 3. It's making me want to go reread parts of The Lost Metal.

Rhythm of War Finished Part 3 + Interludes Sanderson seems to be leaning into quantum theory and physics with his magic system. I keep wanting to see Navani try the double slit experiment as part of her light splitting to see what would happen lol

Aww, Dabbid warmed my heart. Perhaps he will be able to say the first oath soon.

I'm concerned for Lift. How are they getting lifelight out of her?

I feel bad for Navani. She was completely out maneuvered by Raboniel. I really hope they can figure a way for the Sibling to bond before it goes deadeye. I'm not seeing them restoring her via light.

Kaladin's mission impossible was fun. He's been through a lot and really needs to get Moash out of his head and doesn't even know it. I hope this is resolved by the end of the book. I don't want the 5th book with this too. Kaladin deserves actual rest and a new plot device. With the storm taking him out of the Urithiru zone, he should be able to recover a little. Syl should be able to follow along no problem.

I see that the start of Part 4 doesn't list Kaladin but maybe he'll be included in the Bridge 4 stuff. I see we go back to Shadesmar. I'm sure that Adolin's trial will be a farce with the honorspren prejudging him and yet work out in the end because we can't have him and Shallan trapped there indefinitely.

I also picked up my copy of Wind and Truth today :)

Rhythm of War Through Ch 89 It's odd. Ever since Pattern revealed his own deception, using the cube to contact Hoid, it seems like the plot thread to find the spy has been dropped. Does this get resolved this book?

I was not expecting the captain spren to testify against Adolin and then basically attempt a mutiny lol Methinks there are more spren that want to for Radiant bonds than the elders want.

It's pretty great that Lift can heal whatever's caused the Radiants to pass out. Now to get her down to the 6th floor and wake everyone up. Oh and find that 10th pancake for her 4th ideal ;) I hope Syl finds her way back to Kaladin pronto. Same for Lift's spren.

While I find Navani's experiments incredibly interesting, I'm not sure where they're going. Will she find a way to heal the Sibling? A weapon against Odium? Both? Other things? More RAFO.

Now back to Adolin's trial.

Epigraph of Ch 90 Looks like the author is Kelek. I had thought it sounded like a Herald.

Finished Part 4 + Interludes I think I either forgot or it hasn't been explained - how did a spren pick Venli? I still find her unlikable. I also need to go look up info on the various Orders after finishing this book as only 3 feel fleshed out at the moment.

Aww, Maya. She had a huge reveal there too. Yet another secret. So much is unknown/forgotten about the past and what little is remembered has been distorted over time. I bet it's like that with our reality too if we started to poke at history a bit. Maya's not really healed yet but seems on the road to recovery and proving that even "dead" spren can revive with work. Show those stuck up Honorspren! I really hope we learn more of what Maya knows in this book. I am prepared for disappointment on this.

I'm glad that Shallan seems to have accepted her dire secrets and has absorbed one of her personalities. Perhaps she'll decide to try and help her old spren in the process. I'm also very glad that Pattern wasn't the culprit and surprised that Radiant was. It didn't seem to fit that alter's personality.

Raboniel played Navani like a fiddle. They have started a whole new facet to the war if Navani's invention actually kills spren. Funny that Raboniel thinks that the Radiants are immortal like the Fused but it's a different mechanic entirely, not involving the respawning of old souls. Navani's invention could also potentially save the Sibling if she can find the last node and use that technique to get the voidlight to eject from the tower. Of course, with her tools taken, that's going to be difficult.

Ch 110 "Journey before destination, you bastard." I just fell in love with Navani lol

Finished. That was interesting. It felt like the last handful of chapters were the wind down, almost like a multi chapter epilogue. Then the final epilogue, oh dear. Taravangian as Odium is dangerous. Poor Hoid has no idea YET though I think part of him suspects since the altering of his memories was imperfect. I'll find out soon how it all plays out :)

I like how the listeners have partnered with the chasm fiend. That's really cool.

Kaladin's armor being a bunch of wind spren lol I did not expect.

I did not expect Taravangian to become the new Odium but I did guess correctly that he'd live longer than he expected. Now it's a whole lot longer.

I understand why the big break between halves. Brandon has a lot to set up in other areas of the Cosmere before coming back to the big war. I think the real question will be how big of a time jump it will be between Stormlight 5 and 6.

I'm taking a short break before book 5. Not entirely sure what I want to start as my little break.

I decided to start Men at Arms. Only around 8% in and we have Vimes's boots theory about economic unfairness. So profound. I love Pratchett.

The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.

Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.

But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.

>153 Narilka: I loved that bit in Men at Arms!!

Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons - I was having trouble with the narrator and speeding the book up has smoothed the narration out for me. Through Ch 19 Poor little Fitz! Too smart for his own good lol Opening his pen easily. I think they underestimate his intelligence.

Mildred just had that fight with her sister about taking a couple days trip. If only Mildred had thought to bring up the idea of checking up on that guy who seems to be trying for her niece, it might have won her sister over.

I like the small romance that's forming between Mildred and the Vicar. It's very sweet and proper.

I finished Gobbelino London & a Melee of Mages while on a short trip over the weekend. It was as entertaining as always. It seems that there is definitely a build up to the general chaos for the final book. What did the brothers mean in their comment to Gobs about his past lives? Perhaps Gobbelino should try to remember after all. It seems important if others are starting to mention it. Also, what the heck Callum! Seems he has the aptitude for power if he wants?

I also finished Men at Arms and forgot to post updates. This is a pretty great mystery :) Following the Watch while they figure it out is a lot of fun.

Around 50% and Detritus just invited calculus lol Trolls need it cold to think properly! I also loved the binary math.

That ending was satisfying. I'm so glad to be rereading this series.

I finished Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons. It was entertaining, 3.5 stars. The ending doesn't really wrap up anything but is the lead in for book 2 given it's title and the fact that we were treated to an epigraph from the travel guide in one of the chapters.

I really REALLY wanted Mildred to slap her niece. Belinda was quite horrid. I wish Mildred had some of Belinda's agency and it seems like she's getting there by the end. I am not looking forward to meeting Belinda again in the rest of the series lol I don't like Belinda at all.

I'm debating continuing this one on Kindle instead of audio. We will see. Next audio for me is Beware of Chicken 4.

I also started Wind and Truth. Prologue Navani's POV didn't make Gavilar out as anything special since he liked to put her down. Now we see it was deliberate so he could distance himself to prepare for becoming immortal /eyeroll The more I learn about him, the less I like him. I'm also OK if none of the second arc have any more background about his assassination. I think we've covered it all now.

I wonder why Stormfather ended up choosing Dalinar since he was done with the Kholinar family after his disappointment with Gavilar.

The cosmere crossovers are starting already.

Beware of Chicken 4 Boy have I missed these characters :) I'm about 25% in and loving it :) Through ch 18 It's so nice how Jin asked the mayor for help and now the mayor understands his mis-made assumptions hah

Also pretty funny how they psyched out the Azure Jade reps as they made their way to the farm thinking the carved squash were demons at first lol Plus their accident mixing up Meimei and Sho Lan as his wife /facepalm

Meimei has really grown as a healer and surgeon. Talk about a nice benefit as a cultivator. That was a lot of bone shards they fished out of that poor kid's knee.

Wind and Truth Through Ch 5 If Shallan integrated Veil, why did Veil get a chance to talk? I mean, it was nice but still... odd?

Finished Day 1 + Interludes. It's interesting. Kaladin's "good bye tour" I think is nice to do just in case though I suspect he's going to survive. It's everyone else who might not.

I don't know why but I was not worried for Shallan or Adolin at all when the Heavenly Ones attacked. It's nice that Shallan got her armor even if she's not entirely sure which words were her 4th ideal. Won't that make the 5th one tricky? I'm also curious how she's keeping the two spren bonds and also curious if this means anyone else could have a second spren or if it's only her special circumstances.

I'm thinking we should know who Felt is. Seems like someone from Warbreaker. Maybe that's where Azure disappeared to?

Header art for Ch 14 looks ominous. Cracks are showing which haven't so far in the series. That can't be a good sign.

I think Brandon choose an interesting style for this book. We jump from POVs a lot more frequently than before, typically something that was saved for frenetic battle scenes. Example, Ch 16 has Dalinar's icon to indicate his chapter but we start off with Shallan and Adolin finishing their shower. I like it. It helps the story feel more pacey for me so far.

Merry Christmas Everyone! And Happy Holidays to those who don't celebrate :)

Merry Christmas to you too, hope your day was wonderful.

>161 Narilka: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope you had a nice celebration :)

>161 Narilka: I hope it was a wonderful day!

>161 Narilka: Here's hoping that the enjoyment of your Christmas is allowed to spread across the full twelve days!