I loved your “For The Road”! I try to give a genuine compliment to someone each time I leave the house. Sometimes I flub up my words but, it’s almost always taken positively and that boosts my day probably as much as it does the other person’s. 💕
"Completely unique to the thousands of fantasy books I've read in my lifetime" YES YES YES. I'm SO excited that you read Shadow in Summer this month, and even more thrilled that you liked it so much. It's such a phenomenal series.
My best book of September was Not Till We Are Lost by Dennis E Taylor! Also, so good to hear you loving Malzan. Im not on the same level as you but it is a very good series and so unique
I loved your one for the road! I'm the person making conversation in the elevator and the grocery line. Kindness is so easy! More people should try it!
My best book finishes in September was Malice by John Gwynne. What a fantastic start to a series! Gwynne does a fantastic job making you care about the character and the world.
Choo choo, welcome on the LPQ hype trainnnn!! It really only gets better, and the series as a whole is just a masterpiece. I binged it all back to back haha. Also love to hear that your Malazan journey has been so amazing, and I can't thank you enough for your reassurances that it really is JUST A BOOK hahah I am getting less and less intimidated! My standouts in September were Hell of a Witch by Rachel Aaron and Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan :))
LPQ only gets better with each book, and I’m glad you enjoyed the first installment. Ordinary Grace was such a win for all of us- long live the Quilluminati! I’m so glad you found a gem among your SPFBOX reads in The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword! I’ll be reading it soon. And I’m so glad you’re loving Malazan! Finally, I want to visit Thunderworld, and that’s a fact!
Oh my goodness Rick Thunder was UNHINGED today!! 🤣🤣🤣 You have me pumped to start LPQ, and I need to get into some Hellegers audios for sure! Love how much you loved Memories of Ice 💪💪💪 House of Chains is a strange one but I think the two after are gonna hit huge with you too
He was extra unhinged because I forgot his contracted whipped cream. It was a backstage diva nightmare. YES, get into LPQ and also join me on the Good Guys / Bad Guys party bus!!
Hey brian i'm also in first book of malazan garden of the moon and everything about this book is new for me the style of writing the way characters described throughout story and etc and enjoyed it so far, probably today going finish the first book, i can't wait to reach Memories of ice I'm so intrigued about this one
Memories of Ice was absolutely incredible. So glad you dug it so much! Favorite book of Sept for me was Inheritance of Magic by Benedict Jacka, it was a ton of fun and makes me even more excited to get into Alex Verus at some point
I certainly did! Alex Verus rocks! I've read the complete series. I don't reread (except Philip's book now on audio), but I'd reread Alex Verus. super good.
I’m reading Memories of Ice now and it’s totally because of you, as I had planned to abandon Malazan for some comfort reads, but you advise otherwise. And I’m glad you did because it’s absolutely ridiculous how good this book is.
Love the one for the road Brian I definetly need to give more positivity like that :) I finally finished 1Q84 on audio book and I really enjoyed it long but it was all worth it I think!
Glad you’re loving Malazan! House of Chains is fantastic, I’m sure you’ll love it. I will have to bring up Ugland’s series’ with my friend and see if it appeals to him but you’re definitely hyping it up for me. I just might have to buy Tenacious Tendersword for my kid!
Awesome video Brian! I’m excited to see how you do your change to quarterly TBRs. Long Price Quartet is on my long list. I definitely need to try it out.
Thanks so much, Chas! I'm thinking I'll do a Nov & Dec combo at the end of this month and then start quarterly in Jan. I really did like LPQ book 1, so I hope you check it out and we can chat about it!
I add my voice to those who loved LPQ! And Malazan, of course! I’m not surprised you’ve had your best month yet with those two on board. So glad you’re loving both series so far, and I can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts. ❤
You crack me up, Brian 😂 Rick Thunder should be the main host here, i think. But these videos aren't healthy for me - added so many books to my TBR pile again....
I'm sorry, Silvia! There are some great books here but I know your TBR is huge!! ps, I try to control Rick, but he does his own thing. He's very difficult to manage!
Awesome!!! Love hearing you had a stellar month! I gotta get in on these Long Price & Malazan trains! Also, I'm certain Rick THUNDER will love Age of Madness 😁
No duds? Awesome! All of these are already on my TBR and I put the MG on my son's (it's right up his alley). Intro/extrovert 100% on a scale. A lot of it boils down to how comfortable I am with the people around me. Taking opportunities to expand that into a more general sense is a worthwhile. I started September with The Blood Stones, 5/5. And then I read my favorite book of the year, Dandelion Wine 10/5. It's now one of my all time favorites. I also finished The Elements of time, 4.5/5. I've been wrapping up the Green Bone Saga and ended the month with Jade War (5/5) and I'm halfway through Jade Legacy right now.
I've already preordered the Thunderworld LP. And that's a fact. I'm ecstatic that you loved Memories of Ice the way you did. It is, no exaggeration, one of the greatest fantasy novels I have ever read. The last chapter is the most cathartic chapter I've read in fiction. I think you're right to question if it's a magic "system." Same as there's no "lore" in the Malazan world. It's a dynamic, organic thing that exists outside of such strictures, and for me that is part of what makes it one of the great works of fantasy.
100% Malazan is just so unique in it's approach to almost everything. RIck thanks you for your preorder. Look for that LP in the mail sometime between 2025 and 2039.
@@BrianBell7 I understand, Rick and his production company need time in the hot tub to process the order, or whatever it is they're doing in there. I respect that.
"Memories of ice" is my favorite Malazan book, and one of my top 10 books ever, so happy you loved it and can't wait to hear more of your thoughts about it. I am now reading "An American tragedy" by Theodore Dreiser, a book that I have on my shelf for over 25 years and only now decided to read, and I am blown away, just one of the best books I've ever read in my life.
Isn't that wild when we have possession of an all-time book for us and we take forever just to open it! It's happened to me before.. Glad you are enjoying so much!
And agreeeeed on that sentiment to the difficulty of reading Malazan and BOTNS. They don’t need gate keeping-I think like anything else some people will love it and some people won’t
I listened to the prologue of a Shadow in Summer a few months ago and loved it, but never went back! All four are free on Hoopla so I will have to move them back up on the TBR!!
I really think you'll enjoy them, Heidi. I had no idea what to expect, but as I'm learning your tastes more, I think you will appreciate the quality a lot!
The Will of The Many in September. Definitely measured up to the hype--and that epilogue was absolute 🔥🔥🔥. Your zeal for Malazan is quite infectious btw; may have to elevate its status in my TBR!
It is so fantastic to hear about someone else’s fantastic reading month! I too discovered Long Price Quartet from Allen and what a great series it turned out to be. The cover art along made me want to buy them so I got them used off of AbeBooks ( I don’t know if you can buy the individual hard covers anymore). Beautiful and so unique. I am listening to a middle grade book too, The Silver Chair. It can be really relaxing, particularly if it’s a book you loved as a child. Rick Thunder should probably watch Avatar the last airbender. There’s a whole nation that wears red 🔥 🐉 Now for my monthly essay on my nonsense. I had a pretty successful month of reading during my first month in Europe. I revisited some of my favorite entries in the Detective Inspector Gamache series, which I listen to while working out. I have read these books multiple times in college, so I know them quite well. Before reading this series, I didn't know much about Canadian history or culture, which is sad considering Canada is one of our closest neighbors. It's not taught in schools. I'm glad to know more about our friends from the Great White North. I recently read an old book I absconded from my grandmother's basement called "The Prince of Foxes." It was turned into a movie in the 1940s starring Orson Scott Card. It's a good action-adventure story with some nice conversations about art. I studied art history, so I enjoyed that part. I also realized that the Borgias are definitely the worst. It might not be the most unique book I've ever read, but it's not bad. I finished reading my first Conn Iggulden book, "Genghis: Birth of an Empire. The writing was good and the characters were reasonably well-developed. I'm very interested in learning more about Genghis Khan, and this series could be a good starting point for me. Although I'm not usually a fan of action-adventure books, I'm willing to give the second book a try, as well as explore more of Iggulden's other works, such as the one about Pericles. Read a nonfiction book called "Snow Country Tales." It's an out-of-print book that I found in a used bookstore in DC. This is a wonderful Japanese work, authored by a native of Japan’s snow country during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The book reads like a natural history, with commentary on nature and the human culture that has developed in this challenging environment. It also includes original illustrations sketched by the author. If you are interested in Japan and looking for a new perspective on the country, this book might be of interest. Next I got "Glorious Exploits" by Ferdia Lennon. It's a relatively new release, coming out in March of this year. The book is short, making it a good choice if you need a break from huge tomes. I found it to be one of the most unique books I've read this year. It's a great way to introduce Greek literature to the uninitiated. I've read both of the plays highlighted in this book, and I've loved exploring Greek plays since I was a kid. The next book was technically a reread but as I haven't read it since middle school, I think I can be forgiven for counting this in the count of the month. This was Washington Irving's Tales of the Alhambra. I had the privilege of visiting this great fortress, one of the most fascinating and mysterious in Europe. There is such a sense of mystery there. I would love to explore there at night when the memories of the castle's previous inhabitants are supposed to overlap with the present. This book is beautifully written from the first page. On the tour, the guide mentioned this book several times. It seems that they are quite grateful to Irving for increasing American interest in Granadan history. Great book. I finished reading the sixth book in the Legend of the Galactic Heroes series. It's challenging to discuss the sixth book without delving into the previous five, so I'll keep it brief. I enjoyed this one! While the first three books remain my favorites, I'm looking forward to reading the seventh book either this month or next. I'm also eager to find out where to watch the new anime adaptation. I believe the story was made for a visual medium. The last book I read was Guy Gavriel Kay's River of Stars. Technically, it's a sequel to Under Heaven, my favorite book last year, but it takes place hundreds of years later. I was a bit nervous about reading this book because of my love for the first one. I enjoyed it, though. I felt quite invested in the characters, setting, and plot. However, I'm not sure if I would have been as invested if I hadn't already been drawn in by the first book. For example, I was worried about the fate of the land of Kitai in this book, but that might be because it's the same land as Under Heaven. It's hard to tell. The poetry is still great, and there is a lot. The reference to the Outlaws of the Marsh reminds me of how much I want to read that. I have a hard copy at home, which I will grab when I go home around Christmas. It's quite long, so that will take some time investment next year. Well, have a wonderful October! I just started teaching and studying for an exam, but I think I will have some time on weekends to stuff some literature in. Happy Reading!
Thank you! I just love the amount of your monthly reading info you are willing to share here with us all! You've listed some interesting books I'll be adding to TBR Mountain. I'm really looking forward to getting back to GGK in November :)
Starting Long Price Quartet this month. Malazan is a more distant goal as the TBR is always growing. Best book for me in September was Bobiverse #5- Not Till We Are All Lost.
Favorite book read only in September: Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar. Excellent characters and an interesting world with a splash of horror. Best book read from August to September: The Crippled God by Steven Erickson. Amazing conclusions to The Book of the Fallen.
I think I know what else could be in your mystery box. There were no cans of whipped cream at hand for Rick Thunder… so that must have been a re-supply. I’m glad you’re enjoying Malazan. I have about the last third of The Crippled God before I am done with the main series. Thanks again for introducing me to Eric Ugland, I expect that I will be listening to at least one book per month.
I've already heard from Rick's attorney about not having his contractually mandated whip cream available for him at all times. Excellent mystery box guess tho! Can't wait to discuss that series with you!
Favorite reads this month were My Effin Life ba Geddy Lee and Knife Children by Lois Macmaster Bujold. Moving from Atlanta to Albuquerque so I'm spending a lot of time in car meaning Audio books. Picked up Tanya the Tendersword as the third book I picked up based off SPFBO reviews (other two were The Autumn Apprentice and Seeds of Inheritance (both of which became semi finalists and in the case of Seeds, A Senlin Safety net). Finally picked up an old favorite on audio book called Ride the Wind by Lucia St Clair Robson. It's historical fiction and is the real life story that became the basis for The Searchers by John Ford which was the basis for Red Country by Joe Abercrombie. It also reads a bit like what I think a female Bernard Cornwall would write.
those are some really interesting selections! I'm looking forward to reading some Lois Macmaster Bujold in the next year or so~. I hope you like Tanna!
And also i heard about so many comments about malazan books being complex, as i'm reading first book now and almost finished the book i had no problems with knowing which character is which or what is actually happening etc and i really liked this way of writing, there isn't too much of describing details like other books do, there isn't too much details about characters mental situation cause really we don't need this details really.
I hope your Keith the butcher experience doesn't turn into a Cable Guy situation where increasingly bloody cuts of pork chop start appearing on your doorstep. Totally kidding...great story.
I definitely have «LPQ» on my 2025 MBR List! In September I read three Rosemary Sutcliffe novels: 2 YA Historical Fiction Novels, «The Silver Branch» & «The Lantern Bearers» (set in Ancient Britain during the Late Roman and the Roman Withdrawal & Saxon Invasions, respectively) and an Arthurian Historical Fiction novel, «Sword at Sunset», all loosely connectied to each other following a family over generations, with the POV character of «The Lantern Bearers» as a mentor figure and his son one of Arthur’s companions in «Sword at Sunset». I also finished «Sword in the Storm» («Rigante» series #1) by David Gemmell (S&S/Heroic Fantasy, inspired by Celtic Britain and the Roman Invasions) and «The Eternal Champion» by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse S&S/(Anti-?)Heroic Fantasy). Just finished «Lustrum» (US: «Conspirata», «Cicero»-Trilogy #2) by Robert Harris (Historical Fiction about the Roman Statesman), that one or «Sword in the Storm» might be my Book of the Month! Cheers Brian!😄
Once again, Mac, you totally impress me with your reading levels! You really are one of the most well-read members of the booktube community, and it's amazing!
LPQ ❤ In September I've read: *DC Comics* Green Lantern: Secret Origin (re-read) Written by Geoff Johns | Art by Ivan Reis *Fantasy* Dunk & Egg 1: The Hedge Knight (re-read) - I was kinda underwhelmed on my first read, but on re-read I loved it. Rain Wild Chronicles 2: Dragon Haven Rain Wild Chronicles 3: City of Dragons Rain Wild Chronicles 4: Blood of Dragons - 1st 3rd of Dragon Haven was kinda rough but it really picked up after that. Overall it is my least favourite subseries of RotE, though I'd read it again. Fitz & Fool 1: Fool's Assassin - Book of the Month! Loved the Gothic atmosphere throughout and exploring the later years Fitz's life. My only complaint, is that there isn't enough of the Fool. *Image Comics* Criminal 1: Coward Written by Ed Brubaker | Art by Sean Philips - Read in a sitting! It's a series I'd been curious about for years. *Marvel Comics* Astonishing X-Men Complete Collection 1 Written by Joss Whedon | Art by Sean Cassaday Daredevil 1: Hell Breaks Loose Written by Saladin Ahmed | Art by Aaron Kuder - Thoroughly enjoyed this. Waiting for the next trade paperback to come down a little in price. Moon Knight 1: The Midnight Mission Written by Jed McKay | Art by Alessandro Cappuccio - Love me some Moon Knight. *Mystery* Mystic River / Dennis Lehane - One of my favourites of the year! So far in October I've finished: *Short Fiction* Hell is the Absence of God / Ted Chiang - I'm not a religious or spiritual person but gave me a lot to think about. As for what I'm currently reading: *Comics* Ultimate Spider-man 1: Married with Children Written by Jonathan Hickman | Art by Marco Checchetto *Fantasy* Memory, Sorrow & Thorn 2: Stone of Farewell - I'm loving this series more and more. Feels like a blending of GRRM and Hobb. Very clearly a loving response to LotR, I enjoyed LotR but I'm liking this better.
@@Talking_Story what?!?!? We will immediately need to re-think your application. In the meantime, please secure something in pastel or bright primary. We have certain standards, M. Minton.
I hope you love it as much as I did! There's just such an insane amount of detail that Steven Erikson has developed for this world. It really checks all the boxes for me.
I loved your “For The Road”! I try to give a genuine compliment to someone each time I leave the house. Sometimes I flub up my words but, it’s almost always taken positively and that boosts my day probably as much as it does the other person’s. 💕
I absolutely love to hear that, Maeve! You get it 😊
"Completely unique to the thousands of fantasy books I've read in my lifetime"
YES YES YES. I'm SO excited that you read Shadow in Summer this month, and even more thrilled that you liked it so much. It's such a phenomenal series.
All the thanks to you!! And I'm excited for the next on in November!
I can't wait to get to Malazan. Definitely a priority series for me.
My best book of September was Not Till We Are Lost by Dennis E Taylor! Also, so good to hear you loving Malzan. Im not on the same level as you but it is a very good series and so unique
Your OFTR reminds me of when I got into a deep spiritual conversation with my roofer lol. We’re all people!
I loved your one for the road! I'm the person making conversation in the elevator and the grocery line. Kindness is so easy! More people should try it!
Thank you! I completely agree
What a great reading month. Both Memories of Ice and the Long Price Quartet are favorites of my reading journey last year.
It sure was. Both of them are excellent!
Podium, nice 😎
My best book finishes in September was Malice by John Gwynne. What a fantastic start to a series! Gwynne does a fantastic job making you care about the character and the world.
Totally. I thought Malice was such an incredible debut book. Good news, the series just keeps getting better!
@@BrianBell7Agree. ☺️
I read Ordinary grace because of you and your team. I cannot tell you how this book impacted me. Every possible emotion! Such a great book.
I’m so happy to hear that! Fantastic!
Brian, you are just so good to us! So happy you loved The Tenacious Tale! And oh so grateful!!!
It's funny that I keep bringing it up because it just fit into the timing of the videos that I've been making. Wishing you both great luck with it!
@@BrianBell7 Timing is everything! But I am certainly not complaining haha
Choo choo, welcome on the LPQ hype trainnnn!! It really only gets better, and the series as a whole is just a masterpiece. I binged it all back to back haha. Also love to hear that your Malazan journey has been so amazing, and I can't thank you enough for your reassurances that it really is JUST A BOOK hahah I am getting less and less intimidated!
My standouts in September were Hell of a Witch by Rachel Aaron and Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan :))
It's Just A Book, ESMAY!! I have faith in you ;) I'm on the LPQ HYPETRAIN!
LPQ only gets better with each book, and I’m glad you enjoyed the first installment. Ordinary Grace was such a win for all of us- long live the Quilluminati! I’m so glad you found a gem among your SPFBOX reads in The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword! I’ll be reading it soon. And I’m so glad you’re loving Malazan! Finally, I want to visit Thunderworld, and that’s a fact!
Oh, he's sectioning off an entire square block for Chase Manor in Thunderworld. 100%. And THANK YOU for the encouragement to start Malazan!!
Oh my goodness Rick Thunder was UNHINGED today!! 🤣🤣🤣
You have me pumped to start LPQ, and I need to get into some Hellegers audios for sure!
Love how much you loved Memories of Ice 💪💪💪
House of Chains is a strange one but I think the two after are gonna hit huge with you too
He was extra unhinged because I forgot his contracted whipped cream. It was a backstage diva nightmare. YES, get into LPQ and also join me on the Good Guys / Bad Guys party bus!!
LPQ is incredible, glad you loved the first one. Need to read Ordinary Grace!!
Yep! I'll be hitting the second book in November!
The Prydain Chronicles are middle grade and I enjoyed them tremendously! I read them only a year or two ago! Some parts are quite dark too.
I'm just a vert cause I love green 💚😉🤑
Hey brian i'm also in first book of malazan garden of the moon and everything about this book is new for me the style of writing the way characters described throughout story and etc and enjoyed it so far, probably today going finish the first book, i can't wait to reach Memories of ice I'm so intrigued about this one
Rick Thunder 🤪🙌🏻🤣
Red Country is my favorite Abercrombie ❤😂
I can totally see how that one would be your fave! I also loved it!
Red Thunder, love it ❤
Always!
Memories of Ice was absolutely incredible. So glad you dug it so much!
Favorite book of Sept for me was Inheritance of Magic by Benedict Jacka, it was a ton of fun and makes me even more excited to get into Alex Verus at some point
I certainly did! Alex Verus rocks! I've read the complete series. I don't reread (except Philip's book now on audio), but I'd reread Alex Verus. super good.
I’m reading Memories of Ice now and it’s totally because of you, as I had planned to abandon Malazan for some comfort reads, but you advise otherwise. And I’m glad you did because it’s absolutely ridiculous how good this book is.
YES!! So glad to see this, Dark-O!!
Love the one for the road Brian I definetly need to give more positivity like that :) I finally finished 1Q84 on audio book and I really enjoyed it long but it was all worth it I think!
Excellent!! I'm glad you liked it and found some value. Great job on 1Q84!
Glad you’re loving Malazan! House of Chains is fantastic, I’m sure you’ll love it. I will have to bring up Ugland’s series’ with my friend and see if it appeals to him but you’re definitely hyping it up for me.
I just might have to buy Tenacious Tendersword for my kid!
Keep me posted, Usman, on if you decide to go for it! I think you'll dig it. And yes, that middle grade book is a lot of fun!
Awesome video Brian! I’m excited to see how you do your change to quarterly TBRs. Long Price Quartet is on my long list. I definitely need to try it out.
Thanks so much, Chas! I'm thinking I'll do a Nov & Dec combo at the end of this month and then start quarterly in Jan. I really did like LPQ book 1, so I hope you check it out and we can chat about it!
@@BrianBell7 I’d love to chat about it with you Brian! I’ll let you know.
I add my voice to those who loved LPQ! And Malazan, of course! I’m not surprised you’ve had your best month yet with those two on board. So glad you’re loving both series so far, and I can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts. ❤
Hi! I can't believe it took me this long to begin LPQ. What was I waiting for?!?!? Thanks, Johanna!
I promise I will get the Good Guys books soonest!😃
And once again, welcome to the club of the Malazan Fandom 😊❤
Thank you! It's good to be part of the fandom!
Thunder is back in red. I'm glad you had a perfect month with the books you read. 😀👍
Thanks, Stjepan!! I hope you had a great Sept!
You crack me up, Brian 😂 Rick Thunder should be the main host here, i think.
But these videos aren't healthy for me - added so many books to my TBR pile again....
I'm sorry, Silvia! There are some great books here but I know your TBR is huge!! ps, I try to control Rick, but he does his own thing. He's very difficult to manage!
@@BrianBell7 no worries, having a huge TBR is a nice "problem" to have :)
Hahaha one can't hope to manage chaos
Awesome!!! Love hearing you had a stellar month! I gotta get in on these Long Price & Malazan trains!
Also, I'm certain Rick THUNDER will love Age of Madness 😁
I think you'd really like both of those series! And yes, I feel like in some ways, he lives in a personal age of madness!
Wooooo! Long Process Quartet!! So hype you’re reading this series. Looking forward to seeing a review and your thoughts on the rest
woo hoo!!!
It really is a Long Process, Pete
@@readbykyle3082 yeah my barbershop is getting the quartet together after trying for 84 years. Figured the name would be appropriate
Rick Thunder! OMG lol
he's predictably unpredictable!!
No duds? Awesome!
All of these are already on my TBR and I put the MG on my son's (it's right up his alley).
Intro/extrovert 100% on a scale. A lot of it boils down to how comfortable I am with the people around me. Taking opportunities to expand that into a more general sense is a worthwhile.
I started September with The Blood Stones, 5/5.
And then I read my favorite book of the year, Dandelion Wine 10/5. It's now one of my all time favorites.
I also finished The Elements of time, 4.5/5.
I've been wrapping up the Green Bone Saga and ended the month with Jade War (5/5) and I'm halfway through Jade Legacy right now.
Nice! Jade War was my favorite book in GBS. Glad you loved The Blood Stones and Dandelion Wine is 100% on TBR Mountain. I hope your son likes Tanna!
I've already preordered the Thunderworld LP. And that's a fact.
I'm ecstatic that you loved Memories of Ice the way you did. It is, no exaggeration, one of the greatest fantasy novels I have ever read. The last chapter is the most cathartic chapter I've read in fiction.
I think you're right to question if it's a magic "system." Same as there's no "lore" in the Malazan world. It's a dynamic, organic thing that exists outside of such strictures, and for me that is part of what makes it one of the great works of fantasy.
100% Malazan is just so unique in it's approach to almost everything. RIck thanks you for your preorder. Look for that LP in the mail sometime between 2025 and 2039.
@@BrianBell7 I understand, Rick and his production company need time in the hot tub to process the order, or whatever it is they're doing in there. I respect that.
@@groofay Thank you. It's herding cats.. Maybe that's even easier.
"Memories of ice" is my favorite Malazan book, and one of my top 10 books ever, so happy you loved it and can't wait to hear more of your thoughts about it. I am now reading "An American tragedy" by Theodore Dreiser, a book that I have on my shelf for over 25 years and only now decided to read, and I am blown away, just one of the best books I've ever read in my life.
Isn't that wild when we have possession of an all-time book for us and we take forever just to open it! It's happened to me before.. Glad you are enjoying so much!
Heck yes. He’s back-and that’s a fact
I just started red country-and loving it so far. Rick has a great pick
I loved memories of ice so much-but Deadhouse…. That ending crushed me.
And agreeeeed on that sentiment to the difficulty of reading Malazan and BOTNS. They don’t need gate keeping-I think like anything else some people will love it and some people won’t
I also dig the Mid month check in idea with the quarterly TBR. Excited to keep following along
Thanks, Chance! It's great to have you be so active here in our community and I love seeing how your channel is developing! Tons of fun!!
I listened to the prologue of a Shadow in Summer a few months ago and loved it, but never went back! All four are free on Hoopla so I will have to move them back up on the TBR!!
I really think you'll enjoy them, Heidi. I had no idea what to expect, but as I'm learning your tastes more, I think you will appreciate the quality a lot!
The Will of The Many in September. Definitely measured up to the hype--and that epilogue was absolute 🔥🔥🔥. Your zeal for Malazan is quite infectious btw; may have to elevate its status in my TBR!
nice! That one is for sure on my TBR Mountain as well!
Man I love malazan when I read it and love hearing how other people like it
It's tons of fun when I see booktubers react to books I've read and loved, so I know how you feel!
It is so fantastic to hear about someone else’s fantastic reading month! I too discovered Long Price Quartet from Allen and what a great series it turned out to be. The cover art along made me want to buy them so I got them used off of AbeBooks ( I don’t know if you can buy the individual hard covers anymore). Beautiful and so unique.
I am listening to a middle grade book too, The Silver Chair. It can be really relaxing, particularly if it’s a book you loved as a child.
Rick Thunder should probably watch Avatar the last airbender. There’s a whole nation that wears red 🔥 🐉
Now for my monthly essay on my nonsense. I had a pretty successful month of reading during my first month in Europe. I revisited some of my favorite entries in the Detective Inspector Gamache series, which I listen to while working out. I have read these books multiple times in college, so I know them quite well. Before reading this series, I didn't know much about Canadian history or culture, which is sad considering Canada is one of our closest neighbors. It's not taught in schools. I'm glad to know more about our friends from the Great White North. I recently read an old book I absconded from my grandmother's basement called "The Prince of Foxes." It was turned into a movie in the 1940s starring Orson Scott Card. It's a good action-adventure story with some nice conversations about art. I studied art history, so I enjoyed that part. I also realized that the Borgias are definitely the worst. It might not be the most unique book I've ever read, but it's not bad. I finished reading my first Conn Iggulden book, "Genghis: Birth of an Empire. The writing was good and the characters were reasonably well-developed. I'm very interested in learning more about Genghis Khan, and this series could be a good starting point for me. Although I'm not usually a fan of action-adventure books, I'm willing to give the second book a try, as well as explore more of Iggulden's other works, such as the one about Pericles.
Read a nonfiction book called "Snow Country Tales." It's an out-of-print book that I found in a used bookstore in DC. This is a wonderful Japanese work, authored by a native of Japan’s snow country during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The book reads like a natural history, with commentary on nature and the human culture that has developed in this challenging environment. It also includes original illustrations sketched by the author. If you are interested in Japan and looking for a new perspective on the country, this book might be of interest.
Next I got "Glorious Exploits" by Ferdia Lennon. It's a relatively new release, coming out in March of this year. The book is short, making it a good choice if you need a break from huge tomes. I found it to be one of the most unique books I've read this year. It's a great way to introduce Greek literature to the uninitiated. I've read both of the plays highlighted in this book, and I've loved exploring Greek plays since I was a kid.
The next book was technically a reread but as I haven't read it since middle school, I think I can be forgiven for counting this in the count of the month. This was Washington Irving's Tales of the Alhambra. I had the privilege of visiting this great fortress, one of the most fascinating and mysterious in Europe. There is such a sense of mystery there. I would love to explore there at night when the memories of the castle's previous inhabitants are supposed to overlap with the present. This book is beautifully written from the first page. On the tour, the guide mentioned this book several times. It seems that they are quite grateful to Irving for increasing American interest in Granadan history. Great book.
I finished reading the sixth book in the Legend of the Galactic Heroes series. It's challenging to discuss the sixth book without delving into the previous five, so I'll keep it brief. I enjoyed this one! While the first three books remain my favorites, I'm looking forward to reading the seventh book either this month or next. I'm also eager to find out where to watch the new anime adaptation. I believe the story was made for a visual medium.
The last book I read was Guy Gavriel Kay's River of Stars. Technically, it's a sequel to Under Heaven, my favorite book last year, but it takes place hundreds of years later. I was a bit nervous about reading this book because of my love for the first one. I enjoyed it, though. I felt quite invested in the characters, setting, and plot. However, I'm not sure if I would have been as invested if I hadn't already been drawn in by the first book. For example, I was worried about the fate of the land of Kitai in this book, but that might be because it's the same land as Under Heaven. It's hard to tell. The poetry is still great, and there is a lot. The reference to the Outlaws of the Marsh reminds me of how much I want to read that. I have a hard copy at home, which I will grab when I go home around Christmas. It's quite long, so that will take some time investment next year.
Well, have a wonderful October! I just started teaching and studying for an exam, but I think I will have some time on weekends to stuff some literature in. Happy Reading!
Thank you! I just love the amount of your monthly reading info you are willing to share here with us all! You've listed some interesting books I'll be adding to TBR Mountain. I'm really looking forward to getting back to GGK in November :)
Starting Long Price Quartet this month. Malazan is a more distant goal as the TBR is always growing. Best book for me in September was Bobiverse #5- Not Till We Are All Lost.
For sure keep me posted what you think of LPQ! I've not read any of the Bobiverse, but I'm planning to at some point here!
Favorite book read only in September:
Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar. Excellent characters and an interesting world with a splash of horror.
Best book read from August to September:
The Crippled God by Steven Erickson. Amazing conclusions to The Book of the Fallen.
That seems to be everyone's favorite Malazan book! I can't wait to get there but am going to make sure I enjoy the journey!
My favourite read was Stonewielder, book 3 of the Malazan Empire by Ian C Esslemont.
Memories of Ice is a worthy book of the month. It's so good!
It really is! I'm sure I'll journey into the expanded Malazan universe when I finish the first 10!
So, you are not done?
I don't read fast but very glad I read Canticle for Liebowitz.
Loved Ordinary Grace. Recently been reading WKK's Cork O'Connor mystery series, pretty good so far.
Interesting! Where's the best starting place for it?
@@BrianBell7 I've only done the first two so far, Iron Lake followed by Boundary Waters.
My favorite of September was John Ringo - Troy Rising Trilogy
Cool, I'll check that one out! Thank you!
I think I know what else could be in your mystery box. There were no cans of whipped cream at hand for Rick Thunder… so that must have been a re-supply. I’m glad you’re enjoying Malazan. I have about the last third of The Crippled God before I am done with the main series. Thanks again for introducing me to Eric Ugland, I expect that I will be listening to at least one book per month.
I've already heard from Rick's attorney about not having his contractually mandated whip cream available for him at all times. Excellent mystery box guess tho! Can't wait to discuss that series with you!
Favorite reads this month were My Effin Life ba Geddy Lee and Knife Children by Lois Macmaster Bujold. Moving from Atlanta to Albuquerque so I'm spending a lot of time in car meaning Audio books. Picked up Tanya the Tendersword as the third book I picked up based off SPFBO reviews (other two were The Autumn Apprentice and Seeds of Inheritance (both of which became semi finalists and in the case of Seeds, A Senlin Safety net). Finally picked up an old favorite on audio book called Ride the Wind by Lucia St Clair Robson. It's historical fiction and is the real life story that became the basis for The Searchers by John Ford which was the basis for Red Country by Joe Abercrombie. It also reads a bit like what I think a female Bernard Cornwall would write.
those are some really interesting selections! I'm looking forward to reading some Lois Macmaster Bujold in the next year or so~. I hope you like Tanna!
My fave in sept was Annihilation by Jeff Van Der Meer
I keep hearing about that book!!
And also i heard about so many comments about malazan books being complex, as i'm reading first book now and almost finished the book i had no problems with knowing which character is which or what is actually happening etc and i really liked this way of writing, there isn't too much of describing details like other books do, there isn't too much details about characters mental situation cause really we don't need this details really.
Yep, I agree. The "challenge" level is way overblown. It's just super unique and stylized storytelling! I'm glad you are enjoying it!!
Rick Thunda!! He’s back (and that’s a fact)!
We can't control him. We can't even contain him!
I hope your Keith the butcher experience doesn't turn into a Cable Guy situation where increasingly bloody cuts of pork chop start appearing on your doorstep. Totally kidding...great story.
LOL. I hope not! But, then again, if they are free...
I definitely have «LPQ» on my 2025 MBR List!
In September I read three Rosemary Sutcliffe novels: 2 YA Historical Fiction Novels, «The Silver Branch» & «The Lantern Bearers» (set in Ancient Britain during the Late Roman and the Roman Withdrawal & Saxon Invasions, respectively) and an Arthurian Historical Fiction novel, «Sword at Sunset», all loosely connectied to each other following a family over generations, with the POV character of «The Lantern Bearers» as a mentor figure and his son one of Arthur’s companions in «Sword at Sunset». I also finished «Sword in the Storm» («Rigante» series #1) by David Gemmell (S&S/Heroic Fantasy, inspired by Celtic Britain and the Roman Invasions) and «The Eternal Champion» by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse S&S/(Anti-?)Heroic Fantasy). Just finished «Lustrum» (US: «Conspirata», «Cicero»-Trilogy #2) by Robert Harris (Historical Fiction about the Roman Statesman), that one or «Sword in the Storm» might be my Book of the Month! Cheers Brian!😄
Once again, Mac, you totally impress me with your reading levels! You really are one of the most well-read members of the booktube community, and it's amazing!
LPQ ❤
In September I've read:
*DC Comics*
Green Lantern: Secret Origin (re-read)
Written by Geoff Johns | Art by Ivan Reis
*Fantasy*
Dunk & Egg 1: The Hedge Knight (re-read)
- I was kinda underwhelmed on my first read, but on re-read I loved it.
Rain Wild Chronicles 2: Dragon Haven
Rain Wild Chronicles 3: City of Dragons
Rain Wild Chronicles 4: Blood of Dragons
- 1st 3rd of Dragon Haven was kinda rough but it really picked up after that. Overall it is my least favourite subseries of RotE, though I'd read it again.
Fitz & Fool 1: Fool's Assassin
- Book of the Month! Loved the Gothic atmosphere throughout and exploring the later years Fitz's life. My only complaint, is that there isn't enough of the Fool.
*Image Comics*
Criminal 1: Coward
Written by Ed Brubaker | Art by Sean Philips
- Read in a sitting! It's a series I'd been curious about for years.
*Marvel Comics*
Astonishing X-Men Complete Collection 1 Written by Joss Whedon | Art by Sean Cassaday
Daredevil 1: Hell Breaks Loose
Written by Saladin Ahmed | Art by Aaron Kuder
- Thoroughly enjoyed this. Waiting for the next trade paperback to come down a little in price.
Moon Knight 1: The Midnight Mission
Written by Jed McKay | Art by Alessandro Cappuccio
- Love me some Moon Knight.
*Mystery*
Mystic River / Dennis Lehane
- One of my favourites of the year!
So far in October I've finished:
*Short Fiction*
Hell is the Absence of God / Ted Chiang
- I'm not a religious or spiritual person but gave me a lot to think about.
As for what I'm currently reading:
*Comics*
Ultimate Spider-man 1: Married with Children
Written by Jonathan Hickman | Art by Marco Checchetto
*Fantasy*
Memory, Sorrow & Thorn 2: Stone of Farewell
- I'm loving this series more and more. Feels like a blending of GRRM and Hobb. Very clearly a loving response to LotR, I enjoyed LotR but I'm liking this better.
Nice, Rogue! Love a lot of those comics. And yes, I also love me some Moon Knight! I had to get to Tad Williams some time in the next year (maybe!)
How does 1 shop for property in Thunder World?
it starts with coming to the initial meetings prepared. as you already have the blue blazer, I think they would find your application intriguing.
@@BrianBell7 that lovely indigo coat with the sleeves perfectly rolled up sadly is long gone 😭
@@Talking_Story what?!?!? We will immediately need to re-think your application. In the meantime, please secure something in pastel or bright primary. We have certain standards, M. Minton.
@@BrianBell7 nooooooo! Whyyyyy!
@@Talking_Storywe’ve reviewed and Accepted!!
I love GotM but I had so much trouble with DG and MoI 🤦♀️ it may be the audio that's tricky 🤔
I don't think I'd have a great time with such a huge epic on audio. But I get it.
My book of the month is Reapers Gale book 7 of Malazan. I tried to read other books at the same time but they did not hold my interest like RG.
I'll get there some time in 2025!
Memories of Ice was my favorite until I read the next 2 in the series
YES! Can't wait!
MORE THAN FIVE STARS for Memories or Ice? 🧊😍
That’s so cool. Gonna be continuing w Deadhouse Gates so soon
I hope you love it as much as I did! There's just such an insane amount of detail that Steven Erikson has developed for this world. It really checks all the boxes for me.