Jean_Sexton and Her 2019 Books

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Jean_Sexton and Her 2019 Books

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1Jean_Sexton
jan 2, 2019, 3:53 pm

A new year has started, so it is time to challenge myself to read. I suspect my list will be a mix of science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, romances, and anything else that gets my attention. It will include classics and new books. The important thing to me is that the book makes me happy or enriches my life. So enjoy!



2Jean_Sexton
jan 8, 2019, 6:02 pm

1. The Short Victorious War by David Weber. This is another good military science fiction book. The reader gets to learn some of what goes on behind the scenes to make a squadron of ships function as one. I also liked bringing more of the Havenite side of things into the narrative as a balance to the Manticorian viewpoint.

The battle scene really got my heart going (literally -- it went up over 20 beats a minute!). I wasn't sure who would live or die and I cared about the characters. I have to admit the appendix about the technical aspects of the Manticorian ships made my eyes glaze, but at least it was easily skimmed.

If you like military science fiction, start at the beginning of the series. It is well worth the read.

3rocketjk
jan 9, 2019, 12:51 am

Your 2019 books? According to the figure on your home page you have 3,537!

Ha! I crack myself up!

Happy reading this year!

4Jean_Sexton
jan 13, 2019, 2:26 pm

Thanks! And I giggled, too. :)

5Jean_Sexton
jan 13, 2019, 3:24 pm

2. The Third Circle by Amanda Quick. This is a Victorian romance that has parapsychology at its heart. I read it out of order, but thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. The romance was sweet and believable as danger does draw people together. In fact, I liked it enough that I got the earlier book in the historical series. Do be aware there are some steamy scenes in this romance.

If you like paranormal romances, this might be one that you would like. If you like Victorian romances, this should be of interest. If you like both, my goodness, stop reading this review and get the book!

6Jean_Sexton
jan 13, 2019, 4:16 pm

3. Field of Dishonor by David Weber. This was a page turner! Once things started happening, I kept reading it long past my bedtime and didn't stop until the end. The battlefields here are not out in the stars. These battles are personal and political. In some ways, I think they were even harder on Honor than the previous battles. These were designed to hurt her deeply and to crush her as a person. I wanted her to win her battles with herself and to stay true to who she was.

The really fascinating part to me was the Grayson culture and how Honor is adapting to it, and its members to her. I love watching her grow into her role as a Steadholder.

Once you are about halfway through the book, you are in for a ride. I strongly suggest you allow time to finish it in one sitting. This is for those who have read the earlier books in the series. While the author does a good job of reminding the reader of pertinent information, the reader really does need the fuller background to really understand all the events.

7Jean_Sexton
jan 20, 2019, 4:42 pm

4. Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia. What a fun urban fantasy! It certainly turned some memes on their heads. The action was fast and furious. While there was a lot of emphasis on describing guns, that was easily skimmed if you haven't a clue what it is about.

There were certainly twists I didn't expect, but they were logical. And there were turns that I was rooting for and cheered for. It was certainly a page turner. I quickly ordered the next book in the series.

If you like urban fantasy, you should try this book. If you are a fan of thrillers or action-filled novels, this will probably interest you. If you are a fan of both urban fantasy and action novels, this needs to be in your library.

8Jean_Sexton
jan 27, 2019, 6:43 pm

5. Flag in Exile by David Weber. This book spoke to me, somewhere deep. I fell in love with the Graysons, at least the ones on the side of good. I think the theme for the Graysons is this quotation: Nor do we always remember how limited our perceptions are compared to His, and that He, unlike us, sees to the hearts of all people and knows His own, however strange and different they may appear to us.

I also felt that Honor was far more human in this book. I got to see her emotions and her drive make her be the best Steadholder she could be. Her caring for all the people under her command, be it civilian or military shines through.

I will issue a tissue warning. To say more would be a spoiler. I did have a gut-felt moment of exultation when Honor dealt justice in the Protector's name.

If you like military science fiction or just well-written, page-turning science fiction with a dose of political machinations, then this book is for you. I would strongly suggest starting at the beginning of the series.

9Jean_Sexton
feb 4, 2019, 7:03 pm

6. Revenge of the Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen. This fantasy is a good sequel to Evil Librarian and definitely kept my interest. I wasn't familiar with The Scarlet Pimpernel musical, but the raving about it in the book got me to buy the CD (not that it was necessary to the understand the book, but a new-to-me musical is a Good Thing!).

I think this book was a tad weaker than its predecessor (not uncommon for the middle book of a trilogy), but I still kept flipping the pages to find out what would happen next. Teenage drama (literally!), love triangles, and, oh yes, demons, kept the book hopping. I wait impatiently for the next installment.

You do need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. Still I highly recommend this book.

10Jean_Sexton
feb 11, 2019, 3:05 pm

7. Honor Among Enemies by David Weber. What an excellent book! Behind the scenes of Honor Harrington's return to the Royal Manticorian Navy are plots and plans. She has made some enemies and those enemies have made plans that they believe will benefit them in one way or another. So yes, there are battles to be fought brilliantly and doggedly.

However, what made the book sing for me were the characters and growth. From a young engineer who is helped to grow a spine (and taught to be able to defend himself) to a merchant who finds out that he isn't always right, people grow and change. We also gain more insight into the decent people who are part of Haven, making the enemies less cardboard and more real.

If you like military science fiction, start at On Basilisk Station and keep going. You won't be disappointed.

11Jean_Sexton
feb 12, 2019, 6:44 pm

8. Second Sight by Amanda Quick. This Victorian paranormal romance was a quick, enjoyable read. I liked the leads, although sometimes I got frustrated by two intelligent people making some of the worst decisions ever. I also found the sex scenes a bit "modern" for my suspension of disbelief. Still, the story kept my interest and kept me turning pages.

The second historical book in this series is better than this one. So keep the faith and read on.

If you enjoy Victorian romances with a healthy dose of sex, this should interest you. If you enjoy paranormal romances, this could also be of interest. If you like both, this should be your cup of tea.

12Jean_Sexton
feb 12, 2019, 7:04 pm

9. Bubba and the Curious Cadaver by C. L. Bevill. The previous book in the series was too over the top for me to love, but this one is back to "just right." What's a Southern gentleman to do when a lady who just happens to be an exotic dancer (though some call her a stripper) needs a lift? And how can he not return her purse when she leaves it on the truck seat? And yet, how will he explain it to his mother, or worse yet, his very pregnant wife? (Bubba has this thought: And ifin Willodean is mad at me, I might very well get a bologna, banana, and pickle sammich in my next lunch, or even worse. Might be kitty litter in it, and we ain’t got a cat.) Add in a body and the scene is set for shenanigans and fun.

If you like your mysteries with a heavy dose of humor, you should start at the beginning of the series and read on.

13Jean_Sexton
feb 24, 2019, 2:35 pm

10. The Young Unicorns by Madeleine L'Engle. I enjoy Madeleine L'Engle's books, in part because of their underlying philosophy. This book, while a bit of a thriller, explores freedom, trust, free will, beliefs, and choices. It also looks at the use and misuse of technology. While dated, it still resonated deeply with me. Today's young adults might need some reminding of a time without cell phones.

Much of the book can be summed up in this quotation, "Because to take away a man’s freedom of choice, even his freedom to make the wrong choice, is to manipulate him as though he were a puppet and not a person." To have the ability to choose, to be trusted to make the right choice, to have people believe in you and your choices speaks to having a good life.

This book is for anyone who enjoys a well-plotted novel and doesn't mind dated technology.

14Jean_Sexton
feb 24, 2019, 3:36 pm

11. Proof by Dick Francis. There are times when I want to read a stand-alone mystery. There's no mental commitment to reading a whole series of books and no trying to remember what came before. For that sort of book, Dick Francis comes to mind. Usually there's at least a tangential link to horses and I feel like I will learn something new.

This time the industry is the wine/spirit industry. Wine merchant Tony Beach is the focus and "proof" has more to do than with spirits. Is there a decent life after the sudden death of a dearly loved spouse? Will Tony find courage? Can the hero prove who the villain is? Early in the book we find out there is indeed a bad guy, but who is he? How does everything tie together? The reader and the hero take this path together.

This is an excellent traditional mystery.

15Jean_Sexton
feb 24, 2019, 4:00 pm

12. In Enemy Hands by David Weber. One thing about reading a long-standing series is that you have a clue about the final disposition of the major character. (With David Weber, one cannot say major characters don't get killed, that is for sure.) Still, my heart was in my mouth more than once. And this book deserves a tissue warning.

There is little I can write about this book without spoilers. I think part of the underlying theme is how people behave at the height of triumph and the pit of defeat. Those can be defining moments and indeed refining ones. In Enemy Hands does an excellent job in this exploration.

Start at the beginning of the series of this excellent science fiction saga.

16Jean_Sexton
feb 26, 2019, 3:30 pm

13. The Oathbound by Mercedes Lackey. This is truly one of the best sword-and-sorcery novels I've read. The heart of sword-and-sorcery is the old-fashioned "buddy novel." This book has the twist that the buddies are women, competent in their fields of expertise. Add to it the sorceress has a magical sword takes over the fighting for her and that negates most of the bad side of being a mage (an actual physical attack will distract or disable most mages in a lot of fiction) so the warrior doesn't have to spend all her time making sure her sworn sister is safe and the stories become more believable.

There is a sequel and short stories associated with the original book. These are collected in the ebook Tarma and Kethry, making it easy to read everything associated with the characters.

This is highly recommended. You don't have to be familiar with the rest of the Valdemar books to enjoy these.

17Jean_Sexton
mar 13, 2019, 3:42 pm

14. Oathbreakers by Mercedes Lackey. Many times a sequel isn't as strong as the original. Oathbreakers, if anything, is stronger. Less episodic, there's a missing person who ties the whole novel together. Kethry and Tarma are tasked to find her, or to discover her fate. For fans of Valdemar, a herald and his companion do make an entrance. The background to one of Valdemar's alliances is also revealed.

People may not realize that there are two CDs that accompany Oathbound and Oathbreakers. They bear the same title, but are/were put out by Firebird Arts and Music. They include the filk songs (science fiction/fantasy folk songs) that Lackey published about these books. Both are excellent listening.

For fans of sword-and-sorcery novels, few are as good as this one. Highly recommended.

18Jean_Sexton
mar 13, 2019, 5:04 pm

15. Oathblood by Mercedes Lackey. This is a collection of short stories featuring Kethry and Tarma. Some I had read in anthologies. but others were totally new to me. Two had been subsumed into Oathbound. Those I skimmed as I had just read that book and they were nearly the same.

Both the characters and the author matured and the stories steadily improved. In the end, I could tell that Tarma and Kethry knew they were good at what they did, but also didn't consider themselves "real" heroes. This quotation sums it up: "There’s your real heroes—the people who keep coping, keep trying, no matter how many blows Fate takes at them. Nobody’ ll make a song about them, but they’re heroes all the same."

If you read and enjoyed Oathbound and Oathbreakers, you'll enjoy finding out more about Tarma and Kethry.

19Jean_Sexton
mar 14, 2019, 4:30 pm

16. Echoes of Honor by David Weber. I do hate funerals; I cry and my nose gets stopped up. Honor's was no exception. Even knowing the Havenites had faked her death, I still got caught up in the emotion of it all. I suppose that is why I rooted for Honor and her intrepid band of escapees so hard. There had been so much loss, I didn't want them to lose more people.

Watching the Manticore/Grayson/Haven side of things in the alternating books (the six books alternate among the political/military aspects off the prison planet Hell and what is going on with Honor and her people) made for interesting reading as the different reactions to Honor's supposed death hit each group differently. The political fallout from Cordelia Ransom's death (and for her, I exulted at the death of an evil woman) might well be the salvation of the war for Haven, especially as Manticore debates itself endlessly, it seems. Grayson, on the other hand, I cheered for as they decided to use Honor's death to aim higher. Go Grayson!

To understand this book, you must have read the earlier ones in the series. If you like military science fiction and want to understand the reasoning behind the battles, this series is for you. If the background military aspects (what weapons function in detail, for example) get too technical, you can skim through them without missing anything in the story. Well done! And yes, I have the sequel already.

20Jean_Sexton
mar 14, 2019, 5:32 pm

17. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang. This graphic novel was an interesting read. In many ways it is a fairy tale with a rags-to-riches twist. In some ways it is a coming of age story. Teenage Prince Sebastian has a secret he's been keeping: some days he feels like a prince, but sometimes he wants to wear dresses. Frances, a gifted seamstress with a flair for design, is hired from her place of employment just as she is being fired for making a client the dress of her dreams, even though it is considered by the turn-of-the century (early 1900s) matrons to be less than appropriate. However, when Sebastian saw the dress, he knew that the designer would make perfect dresses to suit. And so fashion-setting Lady Crystallia takes the night scene by storm.

The problem is that Prince Sebastian, an only child, needs to marry appropriately, according to his parents. But who in the list of acceptable brides-to-be will understand the life that he leads, the person he is?

One of the themes is that keeping a secret hurts not only the secret keeper, but those who are part of that secret. Another is that loving a person means accepting that person for who he is, not who you want him to be or think he should be. The final one is that running away rarely solves anything.

While the storyline is a bit anachronistic as many fairy tales are, the art reflects the time period beautifully. And the messages are well worth heeding.

Strongly recommended for those who like fairy tales or coming-of-age novels. Painful scenes include one of drunkenness and another of the result of secrets being publicly revealed when one is not prepared to do so. The sequence for the latter tore at my heart.

21Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: mar 16, 2019, 4:05 pm

18. Straight by Dick Francis. I always enjoy the stand-alone mysteries of Dick Francis. They always have a tie to the world of horse racing, the hero is a decent person, and the author plays fair with the reader. Straight was no exception.

In this novel, the jockey is unexpectedly tossed into the deep end of the pool of the world of gemology when his brother dies unexpectedly. There are so many questions to be answered: did the brother really buy diamonds (not something he usually bought), is there something going on with the race horse the brother owned, is there something going on related to his brother's job as a magistrate, and just who is making the hero's life so difficult? The author plays absolutely fair in solving all of those questions. This quotation sums up the book nicely: "I inherited my brother’s life. Inherited his desk, his business, his gadgets, his enemies, his horses and his mistress. I inherited my brother’s life, and it nearly killed me."

If you enjoy mysteries, this should be on your list to read if you haven't already.

22Jean_Sexton
mar 20, 2019, 5:46 pm

19. Ashes of Victory by David Weber. I truly loved this book, in part because I got to see more of what happened behind the scenes of the war. Honor's relationship with her mother shone through, laced with love, affection, and friendship. In some ways, the book can be summed up in this quotation: Everything in the universe demanded its own price . . . and the greater a gift, the higher the price it carried.

Another theme was the price of fanaticism can be quite high. Watching someone get played because of his fanaticism, was painful, especially as the evil became more apparent. It saddens me when someone is blinded by hatred.

The final theme is this one as expressed by Honor: "But that will be the third thing that supports you in battle, Ladies and Gentlemen: the knowledge that your people will die uselessly if you screw up. It's not your job to keep them alive at all costs. It's your job to be certain they don't die for nothing." Keeping faith with those who have died is important in this book. I hope it will be in the next one as well.

This is not the place to start reading the series. If you like military SF, start with On Basilisk Station. Be aware that by this point, there are a lot of political undercurrents.

23Jean_Sexton
mar 20, 2019, 6:42 pm

20. St. Patrick's Gargoyle by Katherine Kurtz. This gentle fantasy is exactly what I needed. The quiet faith was a balm to ease the stress I've felt recently. I fell in love with Templeton, a Knight of Malta, who is needed to assist in keeping an ancient evil at bay. In this book, gargoyles are the physical manifestation of avenging angels, who now keep a watchful eye on the buildings (and the people within) to which they are assigned.

In a book with an angel as a main character, the reader shouldn't be surprised at references to faith or to God. My favorite quotation from this book is "It seems to me that too many people forget about the true message of Christianity, and get all hung up in … in the design of the uniforms worn by the messengers who deliver it."

This book gets a tissue warning. People who enjoy their fantasy and don't mind a strong dose of Christianity infused in it will fall in love with this book, I believe. I certainly did.

24Jean_Sexton
apr 2, 2019, 5:51 pm

21. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. I wanted to like this book more than I did. The world-building is excellent. I was reminded strongly of Lankhmar, created by Fritz Leiber. A couple of the characters reminded of Fafhrd and Grey Mouser. This line could easily have come from their mouths: "Think of what we do as, ah, a sort of secret tax on nobles with more money than prudence."

The downside is that the swearing and vulgarity reached heights even The Game of Thrones didn't reach. In Martin's series, the words felt as though they were normal. In this book, there is no doubt that they are, for the most part, not really needed.

I also had trouble liking Locke Lamora until over halfway through the book. His "sidekick," Jean, I felt a bit closer to. As in George R.R. Martin's books, I need to learn not to fall in love with characters as people die. Lots. The only saving grace is this philosophy: "It is one thing to kill in a duel, to kill in self-defense, to kill for vengeance. It is another thing entirely to kill simply because you are careless." And carelessness leads to Bad Things.

If you like buddy novels, fantasy, and especially Martin's Game of Thrones series, I think you might well like this book. It had a good story, a fascinating city to learn about, and characters that I cared about, although they weren't the focus of the tale. It says a lot that in spite of the language, I bought the second book in the series.

Recommended with the caveat that if vulgarity offends you muchly, this isn't the book for you. But if you like a good story and a fascinating world, you might well try this book.

25Jean_Sexton
apr 2, 2019, 6:13 pm

22. More Than Honor by David Weber, David Drake, and S. M. Stirling. This collection of short stories/novelettes was very uneven.

"A Beautiful Friendship" by David Weber was excellent. It tells the story of the first encounter between treecats and humans. I fell in love with the characters and want to read more.

"A Grand Tour" by David Drake was just horrid. It really had nothing to do with the "Honorverse" other than a few trappings. He could have used "Federation," "warp drive," and "impulse engines" just as easily and it would have had as much to do with the Star Trek universe. Furthermore, I was taught that "Melungeons" was a less-than-polite word. To have all the stereotypes present for those people (and they straightened up and did well under the supervision of the superior Manticoreans) was offensive.

"A Whiff of Grapeshot" by S. M. Stirling told the story behind the Leveler Uprising. I'm not much for the Havenites, but this did fill in plenty of background and was well-written.

"The Universe of Honor Harrington" by David Weber was at times more technical than I liked and my eyes glazed over. However, I am glad I stuck with it as I learned more about the political background of the worlds.

This collection is for fans of the series.

26Jean_Sexton
apr 2, 2019, 6:33 pm

23. The True Queen by Zen Cho. Oh my goodness, the wait was worth it! I read Sorcerer to the Crown years ago and pre-ordered this book. While Prunella, now the Sorceress Royal is in the book, she isn't the main character. Muna, a young girl from Malay, and Henrietta Stapleton, the best friend of Prunella, shine in this book. The inter-mixture of traditional British mythology and Malaysian mythology are well-done. The villains are ones you like to dislike.

While I was reading this book I lost track of time. There was enough foreshadowing that some events were expected. However, there were also genuine surprises at the end.

There seems to be a sub-genre of Regency fantasy; this is at the top of that group. While I would suggest that you read Sorcerer to the Crown first, it isn't necessary to do so. Highly recommended to people who like witty banter and well-written fantasy.

27Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: apr 5, 2019, 6:57 pm

24. This Rough Magic by Mary Stewart. I was in the mood for a romantic suspense novel and who better to turn to than Mary Stewart? This Rough Magic was totally new to me; I found myself wrapped up in the story. It takes place in the early 1960s and the attitudes are obviously part of that time period. As it is part of my past, I didn't mind it at all. There are also theater people in the book and I loved both of them.

For me, this quotation resonated: "It seems to me you can be awfully happy in this life if you stand aside and watch and mind your own business, and let other people do as they like about damaging themselves and each other." For the good people in this book, they cannot stand aside and let the bad people win. They take action, knowing the consequences could be deadly. As for me, I cared about the characters. When the action started, I wolfed down the book.

If you like romantic suspense, this book needs to be on your list to read.

28Jean_Sexton
apr 22, 2019, 5:51 pm

25. Worlds of Honor by David Weber, Linda Evans, Jane Lindskold, and Roland J. Green. This anthology was quite good with only one story that I thought was a bit iffy.

The Stray by Linda Evans was nicely done story that had early interaction with treecats. The only thing a bit odd was the "red-headed Celtic person with ESP powers" theme. I'll wait to see if that thread develops.

What Price Dreams? by David Weber was excellent. So much was explained about the special status of treecats in Manticoran society. I loved the relationships that were established in the story.

Queen's Gambit by Jane Lindskold was a look at Elizabeth III prior to the start of the Honor Harrington books. Less about the military or treecats, it is more political intrigue.

The Hard Way Home by David Weber was another story of Honor Harrington. Except as an example of how the military deals with incompetent people in command, it was pure fiction with some trappings of science fiction. There's an avalanche, young people are trapped, and someone must rescue them. That someone is Honor. I liked this quotation: It was much harder to disappoint someone who expected good things out of you than it was to confirm the expectations of someone who figured you'd screw up anyway.

Deck Load Strike by Roland J. Green was the final story and it was a bit odd, especially with the ending. It went places I didn't expect and didn't quite tie it all together, or at least not the way I wanted it to. Basically it is the story of a proxy war with an ally of opportunity.

If you like science fiction, this should be a good read, provided you already are familiar with the setting. Less military SF for the most part, it was easily accessible to those readers who skim the military parts.

29Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: apr 24, 2019, 12:04 am

26. Swords in the Mist by Fritz Leiber. This is another compilation of short stories/novellas. There is sword and sorcery, but some stories are touched by a darker fantasy, bordering on horror.

The Cloud of Hate was the one that sent chills down my back. The idea that enough people can create a palpable hate rings too true. Lean Times in Lankhmar had me shaking my head, wondering how Fafhrd and Grey Mouser would get out of this one! The Adept's Gambit was one that I found interesting. Ningauble's messages had me snickering throughout.

If you like the Lankhmar books, you will probably enjoy this book. It isn't necessary to read them in order, so feel free to pick this one up and read away.

30Jean_Sexton
apr 28, 2019, 6:28 pm

27. The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl by Victoria Alexander. I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian romance. I'm not sure why -- perhaps it was that the heroine was a successful author, perhaps it was shades of Elizabeth Peters and her Amelia Peabody series. But pith helmets and smoked glasses, bazaars, harems, and pyramids all helped create the atmosphere of Egypt.

I think part of my enjoyment was the argument between Sidney and Harry about what comprised good writing. Harry's insistence that just the facts were what was needed tickled my funny bone because I'm not that good at creativity. Sidney's response was perfect: All that matters is that people who read my stories forget the tedium of everyday life and lose themselves for an hour or an afternoon in another world. And for me, that is what this book did.

Strongly recommended for those who enjoy Victorian romance and who don't mind a steamy scene. While the book is part of a series, it can be read by itself with no loss of background.

31Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: maj 28, 2019, 3:07 pm

28. War of Honor by David Weber. I found this book fascinating. While there is a still enough military action for me to consider it "military science fiction," there is a good amount of the behind the scenes politics that I feel sure must exist at the upper levels of any military. And it is appropriate that Honor be involved with that aspect at her rank.

There is also a good deal of political conniving going on in both Haven and Manticore. When politicians become more involved in keeping their positions than they are in the good of the country, it makes me angry, even if it is only in fiction. And since I got all the sides (the "good guys" and the plotters in both Haven and Manticore), it had the sick fascination of seeing an oncoming train wreck.

And then there is the personal situation between Honor and White Haven. Both know no good can come of it, and yet there is that deep attraction. I keep wondering if the social situation/marital customs on Grayson might not be an answer.

While this is a great book, if you are thinking of reading the Honor Harrington series, you cannot start here, Start with the first book. If you like military SF, this is a series you should not miss.

32Jean_Sexton
maj 27, 2019, 11:35 pm

29. The Savage Miss Saxon by Kasey Michaels. This is a light Regency with a twist -- the young lady is an American accompanied by a Lennai Lenape Native American protector. The book has lots of interesting characters, albeit some of them are a bit over the top -- and that may be an understatement. As usual, the end of the story is predictable; it is always how the characters get there that is the fun. This book was perfect for reading as a break after reading a good many serious books in a row.

If you enjoy traditional Regencies, this should be your cup of tea.

33Jean_Sexton
jun 9, 2019, 11:42 am

30. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce. Written for young adults, this 1983 book was excellently written. The thing to remember is the date of publication -- what many people today consider standardized roles was new and fresh then.

I admit I devoured this book as though I were again in my teens. I watched her make friends with people because she liked them, not because of their position. I was with her as she progressed in her dreams of being a knight someday. Her struggles with her magical powers was heartbreaking.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy. I have already bought the sequel.

34Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: jun 10, 2019, 9:35 am

31. Friday the Rabbi Slept Late by Harry Kemelman. Written in 1964, the book won the 1965 Edgar Award for first novel. Reading it, I can see why. It is a gentle mystery that isn't quite a cozy mystery. It blurs the line between solving the mystery with straight logic and a mystery with a warm, fuzzy character. While Rabbi Small is fuzzy about some things, there is nothing fuzzy about his intellect or understanding of the Jewish religion.

This classic-style mystery plays fair with the reader. All the clues are there; the rabbi simply assembles them first. I love that sort of mystery, so I will be reading more.

While I had read some books in this series long ago in my early teens, this wasn't one of them. However, I loved it as much as I remember loving the other books.

Highly recommended for people who enjoy mysteries.

35Jean_Sexton
jun 9, 2019, 5:01 pm

32. I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream: Stories by Harlan Ellison. I had read this a long time ago; in fact, I actually have a paperback that is autographed by Ellison. It was time to read it again. I had forgotten how well Ellison wrote. After reading the book, I realized how uncomfortable Ellison's stories make me.

It is the title story that gets the most attention as it won the Hugo, deservedly so. The other two stories that affected me were "Delusion for a Dragon Slayer" and "Pretty Maggie Moneyeyes." The first one left me sad for the title character. The latter one had so much to say about addiction and desire.

If you like well-written short stories, you might try this collection.

36Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: jun 9, 2019, 6:00 pm

33. From the Dust Returned by Ray Bradbury. I have long loved Ray Bradbury's writing. One of the earliest fantasy/science fiction books I read was The Martian Chronicles. From the Dust Returned reminds me of that book with its loosely connected stories that are linked through their themes. The theme of this book is darker with a family of odd characters, some darkly so.

The unifying characters are daughter Cecy whose mind wanders the earth and son Timothy. He'd be considered "normal" by most people, but he is the one who is different and carefully loved by his family.

I would suggest this book to people who are fans of Ray Bradbury or people who enjoy atmospheric dark fantasy.

37Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: jul 18, 2019, 10:45 am

34. The Service of the Sword edited by David Weber. This anthology, set in David Weber's Honorverse includes: "Promised Land" by Jane Lindskold, "With One Stone" by Timothy Zahn, "A Ship Named Francis" by John Ringo and Victor Mitchell, "Let's Go to Prague" by John Ringo, "Fanatic" by Eric Flint, and "The Service of the Sword" by David Weber. While a bit uneven in story quality, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Promised Land really felt like it belonged in the series. The true heroine of the story to me was Judith who had been captured by Masadan privateers when just a girl. She and a secret organization of Masadan women who didn't believe they were really property rebelled. Add in young Prince Michael Winton, on his first cruise as a midshipman and this is a cracking good story that had me reading as fast as I could.

With One Stone was a nice little mystery about a soon-to-be Havenite secret weapon which is being sold by what could be kindly characterized as a snake-oil salesman. Enter Honor Harrington and the Havenite plans start going awry.

A Ship Named Francis was amusing. What do you do with the people who are too important to flunk out of the Grayson Navy, but too incompetent to stay? Why assign them to the Francis Mueller, of course. Add in a competent Manticorian corpsman who just wants to get a bit ahead by transferring to the Grayson Navy and ... Well, you'll need to read the story.

Let's Go to Prague was sort of amusing, but not really my cup of tea. Think James Bond, but with some bumbling.

Fanatic I thoroughly enjoyed. What happens when a fanatical but honorable man is assigned to the Havenite StateSec and is given the duty to get to the bottom of a murder? It was a fascinating character study.

The Service of the Sword returns to the intersection of Grayson and Manticorian cultures. A young Grayson woman is breaking the mold for women in her society. Who would have thought a gently born Grayson woman would want to join the Navy? Abigail Hearns, the daughter of a Grayson Steadholder has succeeded in the academy and is now on her midshipwoman cruise. It should be a fairly routine cruise and it is until things go dreadfully wrong and a young woman faces the test of leadership.

For fans of the Honor Harrington series, this is a meaty anthology with something for everyone. I highly recommend it.

38Jean_Sexton
jul 6, 2019, 4:34 pm

35. Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry by Harry Kemelman. This is the second of the Rabbi Small mysteries and Rabbi Small is still new to the congregation. His wife is carrying their first child during Yom Kippur. There is much to learn about some of the religious customs that surround that time. however, there is also another death in the community. The question is was it suicide, an accident, or something worse.

of course, Rabbi Small ends up in the thick of things. The dead person was a non-observant Jew, but his wife wants him buried in the Jewish cemetery; a suicide would not be allowed to be buried within it. Rabbi Small's decision raises all sorts of questions.

I have to admit, I didn't suspect the end; I had my eyes on the red herring. The author played totally fair, though. It does not have to be read in order, although events that happened in the first book are mentioned. I think they are sufficiently explained that a reader would be able to enjoy this one as a standalone.

Highly recommended for people who enjoy traditional mysteries with a hint of "cozy."

39Jean_Sexton
jul 6, 2019, 6:51 pm

36. In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce. I was glad to get back to this series and wasn't disappointed. Alanna is now a squire to Prince Jonathan and slowly growing up. She still knows that there is a sorcerer out there who wishes the royal family ill. However, she also knows she is in the hand of the goddess, although she never takes it for granted. In some ways this reads like a "good parts" version as most of the boring, daily routines of a squire's life are skipped over. I'm good with that -- after all, I don't really want to read "Alan got up, did squire stuff, and then went to bed. The next day was much the same."

As an adult reader, much seems obvious because I've read it before. However, it was still "new" to the young adult fantasy genre back when this book was written. To me, the fun was in the details of how everything was happening. Were there many surprises? No. But what shone through was that friendship and ties to other people are important. The real heroes are in many ways the ones who keep the story's hero grounded, much as Samwise did for Frodo.

Highly recommended as young adult fantasy, although I think adult readers familiar with the genre will also enjoy it.

40Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: sep 12, 2019, 4:39 pm

37. Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh. This book was set in 1913 in the Isle of Manx. It was the lure of myth that drew me in. While I was reading it, I was drawn in. However, much like the books in the Twilight Saga, afterwards I was left feeling a little uncomfortable.

Why would a young girl not question why she was falling for a young man with no past? Even worse, why was her family just fine with it? The monsters in the story were from myth, but a very dark place in myth.

For the most part, the writing was good, atmospheric and dark when it needed to be. The main problem I had were several times when women characters were addressed as "Ms." That totally threw me out of the time period.

I think I would suggest this to fans of the Twilight Saga of for fans of dark fantasy; just don't think too deeply about it.

41Jean_Sexton
jul 18, 2019, 5:56 pm

38. The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall. This book tickled my funny bone far too often. Written in a tongue-in-cheek quasi-Victorian style, it is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche of a sort. Dr. John Wyndham is the narrator, the "Watson" of the story. He is sweet and bumbling and kind and quite proper. Our "Holmes" is Shaharazad Haas, a sorceress who is more than a bit plain spoken (the good doctor must frequently use euphemisms to remain socially acceptable), pays no attention to the social mores, and is easily bored. Much like Holmes, I believe she comes to care somewhat for her chronicler and tenant.

The author tosses us into the deep end of the pool with numerous references to other worlds -- many of which I definitely recognized as published Lovecraft, fantasy, or science fiction. The mystery is a good one: who is trying to break off the engagement of Miss Eirene Viola (one of Haas's former lovers) and her fishmonger fiancée? The quest sends them on different adventures (under the sea in a drowned city, Carcosa, sky pirates, vampires, sharks, and Elder Gods, to name a few).

If you are a Holmes purist, this may not be to your liking. But if you are flexible about your Holmesian fiction, this could be right up your alley. I definitely would read a sequel.

42Jean_Sexton
jul 18, 2019, 6:29 pm

39. Hell's Own by T. S. Weaver. This military science fiction novel sucked me in and kept me reading. The next book I had planned to read was set in the Honor Harrington universe; I delayed reading it because I wanted to savor this novel.

Set in the colony of Pluto, the novel opens with a bang -- almost literally -- as the colony is invaded by aliens. This isn't the "first contact" they had dreamed of, shall we say. And the main hope for the remaining civilians is a small group of Marines who were hanging out in an illegal bar outside the city. With a businessman with less-then-upright standards (and certainly not enamored at putting himself at risk), the Marines go to do what they do best -- keep the civilians safe, if necessary by putting themselves in harm's way. And just what do the aliens want?

Hell's Own really was a page turner. I will issue a tissue warning. The version I read had some typographical issues, but I am a proofreader by trade so I may have noticed them more than the average person. Still, the story was so good that I didn't care and kept reading.

If you like military science fiction, this should be on your "to read" list.

43Jean_Sexton
jul 21, 2019, 2:47 pm

40. Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home by Harry Kemelman. This mystery is a product of its time and does show its age. However, if you are willing to step back in time, then it is a good mystery with a few red herrings. I admit that those pulled me off track sometimes.

One of the things I like about this series is that the murders don't happen so fast that you wonder how the town remains populated. It has been a few years since we last visited with the rabbi; he's in his sixth year in the town. Suspicion in the murder of a young man falls upon some of the younger members of the congregation, so the rabbi gets involved. Add in drugs (marijuana, oh, the horror) and civil rights and you get a picture of the society in the late 1960s.

The author again plays fair with the audience and the mystery is solvable with the information the reader gets. While written in 1969, I think the book could appeal to readers who enjoy period mysteries or cozy mysteries.

44Jean_Sexton
jul 29, 2019, 4:23 pm

41. The Perfect Poison by Amanda Quick. I have to admit that this series of paranormal Victorian romances/mysteries has me hooked. Third in the series, this one can be read out of order, although I think some toss-away references to earlier books will be missed. Still, they aren't essential to the enjoyment of the book.

This romance does have some steamy scenes, but they don't overwhelm the story. I liked the leads in the story and they made sense to me. Lucinda is smart and charming while Caleb is brooding and dark (and smart). While the mystery is a bit predictable, the fun in romances is how one gets from point A to point B, and this one is enjoyable.

Recommended for fans of paranormal romances with a hint of mystery.

45Jean_Sexton
aug 18, 2019, 3:42 pm

42. Matilda by Roald Dahl. When this book was published in 1988, I somehow missed it. I saw the musical performed locally, and fell in love with the story. I had to have the book. While it was written for middle-school children, I fell in love with it. It is funny and celebrates reading and learning. What more could I want?

While some folks have been upset by the depiction of Matilda's parents, I think that they are so over-the-top outrageous that children will know they aren't "real" and think that they can get away with Matilda's pranks. Just as Harry Potter's aunt and uncle were unthinkingly cruel in so many ways, Matilda's parents are just as oblivious. I firmly believe that children can tell the difference between real and make believe.

This quotation sums it up for me:

“Do you think that all children’s books ought to have funny bits in them?” Miss Honey asked.

“I do,” Matilda said. “Children are not so serious as grown-ups and they love to laugh.”

If you liked the musical or film, be sure to read the book. Anyone who likes reading will almost surely enjoy this book.

46Jean_Sexton
aug 18, 2019, 3:59 pm

43. The Woman Who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce. I wanted to like this book more than I did. While there was much to like with a strong female character who wants life to be good for others, there were some disturbing turns. Jon suddenly turned into a petulant prince, demanding Alanna be who he thinks she should be. There are stronger hints of The Evil Twin. And there were times when Alanna herself sort of came across as the Benevolent Great White Hope bringing her much better ways to the ignorant natives.

That said, it was still a good story. Showing people that women can indeed be the equals of men is a good thing. And Alanna's refusing to give up her dreams to become someone she is not is an excellent role model. So with its flaws, I will continue to read the series.

Recommended for readers of fantasy.

47Jean_Sexton
aug 18, 2019, 4:13 pm

44. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I had read this mystery long, long ago and loved it. I hoped it would still interest me. It did more than interest me, it demanded that I keep reading. Just one more chapter, I kept telling myself, and then it was time to squeeze in just one more. The book is a quick read, fortunately.

Agatha Christie proved in this book just why she was the queen of the stand-alone mystery. This is basically a locked room whodunit and I was led down the primrose path of red herrings along with most everyone else, I suspect.

Do note that the poem has been edited to remove the taint of its racist past. (The book was published in 1939 when such language was not uncommon.) That editing in no way alters the story.

Highly recommended for readers of traditional mysteries.

48Jean_Sexton
aug 18, 2019, 4:26 pm

45. Black Ice by Andrew Lane. The third entry in the Young Sherlock Holmes series, this is best read in order so as to get the references and know just why Sherlock is in such danger. Mycroft has a more prominent role in this book; I like the hints that showed what he would become.

This book feels somewhat like pulp fiction with outrageously over-the-top plans by the villains, but I thoroughly enjoyed it in all of its unlikely glory. This version of Sherlock is fascinating and I cannot wait to see where the author goes next with the series.

Highly recommended for Sherlock Holmes fans, especially for younger fans.

49Jean_Sexton
aug 25, 2019, 1:45 pm

46. Jones: A Hell's Own Novella by T. S. Weaver. This novella falls squarely in the military science fiction genre, albeit the Marines (except for Jackson) are mostly off-stage. It also needs to be read after Hell's Own as it is taking place during that novel and it helps to have the knowledge from that book.

This is mostly about how a group of people with little in common except frequenting an illegal bar come together (or not) to survive. There is a villain that begs to be hated by any sane reader, and I obligingly did so while reading as fast as I could to see what happened next. It really was a page turner. I will note there were a few problems moving into Kindle that created a bobble, but I wanted to know what came next, so glossed over them. I will also note that I proofread as part of my job, so I perhaps noticed them more than the average reader.

Recommended for fans of military science fiction. I think that fans of zombie apocalypse fiction might enjoy a futuristic look at how people come together to survive an unknown, but dangerous, situation.

50Jean_Sexton
aug 25, 2019, 2:10 pm

47. Monday the Rabbi Took Off by Harry Kemelman. This time our favorite rabbi is taking a sabbatical in Israel. I totally understood the need to get away from the job and get a fresh look at life so I empathized with the rabbi. The book is a product of its time, so the Israel we read about is early 1970s Israel with the people and ethics of the time.

I enjoyed this quiet mystery and the glimpse into Israeli life of the time. To keep me grounded back in the US, there were the political machinations behind the scene at the synagogue. Will Rabbi Small have a job to return to? Will he want to come back to the scheming board or will he pick back up out of a sense of duty?

The mystery wasn't terribly difficult to solve for me; what mattered were the people in the book as they came to matter to me.

Not quite a cozy mystery, this book is recommended for those who enjoy a cozier traditional mystery or a more traditional cozy mystery.

51Jean_Sexton
aug 25, 2019, 2:41 pm

48. Curse of the Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen. Starting with Evil Librarian and continued by Revenge of the Evil Librarian, the Evil Librarian series comes to a satisfying conclusion (or is it?) with this book. Combining musicals and dark fantasy, the series was one I loved, so I hope it does continue in some fashion.

Les Misèrables is the musical for the high school this year and our duo of Cyn and Ryan plan on being totally involved. Of course, Cyn's friend Annie is back in school as are Leticia and Diane. Peter, a demon who actually likes the human world and humans (and not for breakfast or torture) is also in school, but one far enough away to not be in their daily affairs. Well, until ...

And that is the story. Will John Gabriel, the Evil Librarian, finally be put to rest? Will our intrepid gang make it through intact? Will Ryan play Javert? I loved finding out the answers.

Highly recommended, although readers really need to start at the beginning of the series.

52Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: aug 25, 2019, 3:05 pm

49. Crown of Slaves by David Weber and Eric Flint. It is easy to detect Eric Flint's hand in this book as it seems a bit lighter in some ways. There is still a good amount of darkness about it as the reader is no doubt aware of what is going on in Manticore and Haven, not to mention the whole topic of genetic slavery.

So Anton Zilwicki, Berry Zilwicki (Anton's adopted daughter), and Ruth Winton (Queen Elizabeth's niece) are sent off to Erewhon as an informal delegation from Manticore. Then there is Victor Cachat and Ginny Usher from Haven. Add in Solarians, Erewhonese, Masadans, and slavers and there is bound to be enough action to satisfy the heart of any James Bond fan.

While in many ways a stand-alone novel, this benefits from having read From the Highlands (short novel in Changer of Worlds) and Fanatic (novella in The Service of the Sword) first. That said, I would recommend it to fans of the Honor Harrington series and to people who enjoy action and politics in their science fiction. It certainly had me turning the pages.

53Jean_Sexton
aug 25, 2019, 3:50 pm

50. The Time of the Dark by Barbara Hambly. Back in the early 1980s, I walked into a bookstore and fell in love with a cover. It showed a wizard, seated at what looked like a kitchen table, with a staff in one hand and a beer can in another with a bag of potato chips at his feet. I immediately bought the novel, this very book. I read it and loved it as it featured a strong, capable female character. Gil Patterson was a scholar who was drawn into another world and made a place for herself.

Of course, the story is far more than that. The Dark is feeding on the other world's people and must be kept from entering our mundane world. And there is Rudy, also from the mundane world who gets taken into Darwith. There is darkness and horror -- this nearly qualifies as dark fantasy. There are politics and religion. The characters grow and change.

I was worried that my decades-old memories wouldn't live up to today's reading. I am so glad that I still love this book. On to the next one!

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys well-written fantasy.

54Jean_Sexton
aug 25, 2019, 4:27 pm

51. Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce. Oh my goodness, what an end to this quartet of books! This is the Alanna I love: confident about some things, unsure about others (such as flirting), willing to learn from others, and demanding more from herself than others ask of her.

There are really two stories intertwined -- a quest novel for the Dominion Jewel and for friendship and love combined with a novel of jealousy and betrayal. All the elements from the previous three books come home to roost in this one. And I will issue a tissue warning.

This series was truly unique when it was published. While marketed to young adults, anyone who enjoys fantasy should enjoy it. Start with Alanna: The First Adventure and keep going.

55Jean_Sexton
sep 1, 2019, 11:32 am

52. Lion's Blood by Steven Barnes. I came to this book via the filk music CD Insh'allah: the Music of Lion's Blood by Heather Alexander. I enjoyed the music, but I wanted to know more about the world that inspired it. So I picked up Lion's Blood, not sure what to expect.

What I got was thoughtful, intriguing alternate history. The premise is that Africa became the center of culture and civilization and Islam became the predominate religion rather than Christianity. Bilalistan (occupying most of the land that the United States did in the mid 1800s) has been colonized. Europe is the source for slaves to work the plantations, provided mostly by Northmen (Vikings) who also have a colony in the northern part of Bilalistan (eastern Canada).

It wasn't always the most comfortable book to read. It is an uncompromising look at slavery and how it affects both the owners and the slaves. Can there be friendship between an owner and a slave? Can there be friendship between people who are not equals and can never be equals by the laws of the society? How does an honorable man behave as a slave or as an owner? Can love survive in a structured society, either as a slave or a woman expected to marry for the good of the realm? Throw in a war with the Aztecs to add stress and possibilities into the mix.

This powerful book deserves to be read by those who are thoughtful and wonder about the nature of relationships. It certainly would be enjoyed by readers who enjoy historical novels with a twist as well as fans of alternate histories. Most highly recommended. Although this could easily stand alone, I have already bought the sequel.

56Jean_Sexton
sep 14, 2019, 12:25 pm

53. The Walls of Air by Barbara Hambly. Many middle books of trilogies feel a bit weaker. We've met most of the main characters, and the author doesn't really resolve the storyline. Still somehow, there needs to be enough story to keep our interest. This book does that. This fantasy follows the pattern of Tolkien's The Two Towers and splits up the characters. Rudy and Ingold head off to the wizards' city while Gil and Minalde stay behind in the Keep.

Through Rudy's eyes, we learn more about the nature and perils of magic. Gil is a historian and intent on finding out more about the physical infrastructure of the Keep while trying to dodge most of the political and social infighting. I found both alternating stories interesting in their own way. Unifying them both is the threat of the Dark and how people deal with adversity and tragedy.

I enjoyed the story and, while I noticed it was the middle book, I also thought it had enough going on that it wasn't significantly weaker than the first book. Highly recommended for fans of The Time of the Dark.

57Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: sep 22, 2019, 2:34 pm

54. Hell's Children by T. S. Weaver. The second book in the Frontier Wars and System Wars series, this military science fiction book held my interest throughout. To understand what is going on, the series is best read in order, although the "side novellas" aren't strictly necessary to the whole.

Our intrepid band of Marines heads out to the areas they think are clear of the aliens: the mining community. They quickly have a new self-assigned mission and head out to accomplish it.

New characters include a dog-handler Marine. I fell in love with Mags, her dog. Helen, a young teen, is also a character I'd like to know more about. I'll issue a tissue warning as well. I also liked that we got to find out more about the aliens.

I will note there were a few problems moving into Kindle that created a bobble, but I wanted to know what came next, so glossed over them. I will also note that I proofread as part of my job, so I perhaps noticed them more than the average reader.

Recommended for fans of military science fiction.

58Jean_Sexton
sep 22, 2019, 3:35 pm

55. The Shadow of Saganami by David Weber. I fell in love with this book. Some of the characters I'd met already -- Abigail Hearns, Ginger Lewis, Helen Zilwicki, and Aubrey Wanderman -- and liked. It is Helen's midshipwoman cruise and we get to meet four of her classmates who are aboard the Hexapuma. Assigned to the Talbott Cluster where the planets overwhelmingly asked to be made part of the Star Kingdom, the ship's role is nearly as much diplomatic/political as it is military.

The cast of characters is pretty numerous; luckily in the back of the book is an index to them if you need to keep track of them. They include ship personnel, delegates from the planets to the convention to draft a constitution, various people on the planets, and some Bad Guys (and Gals). You need to be up on previous books that have mentioned genetic slavery ("from the Highlands" in Changer of Worlds, "The Service of the Sword" in The Service of the Sword, and Crown of Slaves come to mind) to get the most from the book.

All that said the story is solid political/military science fiction. I liked the character of Stephen Westman of the planet Montana. His actions blurred the line between patriot and terrorist. There were tissue moments, both sorrow and joy.

If you like the Honor Harrington main series, this is a book that you might also enjoy. Captain Terekhov doesn't tackle things the same way that Honor would, but I could see why he did what he did and how he inspired others. I think this book is well worth the read.

59Jean_Sexton
nov 8, 2019, 4:39 pm

56. The armies of daylight by Barbara Hambly. The Darwath series was originally a trilogy and this novel is the conclusion to that trilogy. I liked the main characters, even with their warts and flaws, so this was a very satisfying book that kept me going to the very end. There were surprises (nope, not going into any spoilers) that made sense with hindsight.

The earlier two books are essential to read prior to this one, but the entire trilogy is a great read for fans of fantasy.

60Jean_Sexton
nov 8, 2019, 5:12 pm

57. A New Requiem by B. Lance Jenkins. This mystery takes place in North Carolina, set in a fictional town not terribly far from where I grew up. I really, really wanted to love it, however, there were issues that led to a different emotion. One of the problems for me was the gratuitous vulgarity. In all honesty, I just didn't enjoy that. Another problem is that there were too many people who were painted in black and white without any hint of greys. Very few people are wholly saints or demons. The ending also troubled me as I don't believe the law in this sort of court case works that way.

It gets two stars because I did at least finish it.

61Jean_Sexton
Redigerat: nov 10, 2019, 10:16 am

58. The Wizard's Ward by Deborah Hale. Maybe I have been reading fantasy too long or that this book was originally written for a new fantasy line by a long-time romance publisher, but the novel seemed to telegraph the entire plot for the trilogy. Sweet young maiden witch meets rogue and they both have a Greater Role to play.

That said, it is a pleasantly written book and should prove of interest to many other readers of fantasy. I'd give it 3.5 stars.

62Jean_Sexton
nov 10, 2019, 11:10 am

59. At All Costs by David Weber. This was an excellent book that really made it clear just how both the Manticore and Haven governments are caught in a web of another entity's making. It also made clear the high cost of an all out war. This is science fiction at its finest with a well-rounded look at politics, inter-personal relationships, and military affairs. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I highly recommend this book and series. I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series and reading The Shadow of Saganami either directly before or after this as the events of that book occur during this one.

63Jean_Sexton
feb 3, 2020, 6:11 pm

60. I am running behind on reviewing the books I read. Getting a fiance and a house will do that to you! Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I had read this long ago and hoped I would still enjoy it. I did, but you have to realize I am a sucker for fiction that combines modern day with mythology and this book has that aplenty.

While Julian was over the top, that was part of the curse, so I could forgive the campy "we all lust after the sexy man" scenes. Grace was a well-rounded character that I could empathize with. The book is a quick read, but sometimes I want a piece of fluff mixed in. This filled that slot nicely.

Recommended for fans of paranormal romance or those who like a dose of myth in their fiction.

64Jean_Sexton
feb 14, 2020, 5:59 pm

60.5 I Met a Traveller in an Antique Land by Connie Willis. This story resonated with me on so many levels. What happens when the last copy of a book is lost? While some might think of this short novella as preachy, I found myself hoping it were true. As a retired librarian, I know far too much about weeding, about the abuses books can suffer, about the many ways books can be lost.

It may not be for everyone, but I loved it. For book-lovers who also enjoy fantasy.

65Jean_Sexton
feb 14, 2020, 6:33 pm

61. Storm from the Shadows by David Weber. This was another excellent book. There isn't as much in the way of military science fiction, but there is a good amount of political intrigue. I particularly enjoyed Mike Henke's role in this book and hope to see more of it.

I strongly suggest that At All Costs be read prior to this book. There is a huge amount of overlap in the books. Some may see that as a problem, but I enjoyed the different viewpoints.

Recommended for people who have read the other Honor Harrington books and still enjoy the books later in the series.

66Jean_Sexton
feb 20, 2020, 6:49 pm

62. Martians, Go Home by Fredric Brown. This was another reread as I read it very long ago. I hoped I would find it as fun as I had, and indeed, I did. Part of it is I don't mind it was written back in 1954 when typewriters were a thing. Part of it is that the risqué humor (well, for the times) is about the level that I find amusing.

There is a deeper level to it that I found intriguing. What happens when complete honesty in communication is enforced? Folks who routinely fib in their job (sales people who must tout a new product as the Best You Have Ever Seen or politicians who seem to have a fluid grasp of what is truth) having Martians correct them would seem to be rather nice until you think how polite social lies make the world more pleasant.

This is for folks who don't mind classic science fiction with a dose of humor.