I'm glad that you finished and enjoyed the Farseer Trilogy. In my opinion, you still have the best stuff to come in Realm of the Elderlings. I hope you can get around to Liveship Traders soon. I'm extremely excited for you to read Tawny Man because, like many others, it's my favourite trilogy in Realm of the Elderlings. Tawny Man is for me the best fantasy has to offer. I've been chasing the high for a while now and I'm yet to find anything as moving.
So thrilled that you’ve connected with Fitz’s tale so deeply, and you have many many more stops to go along the journey. Thanks for getting me hyped for Duma Key as well which I rarely hear about!
Nailed it! I get people having a problem with the pace but for me, its about Fitz slowing down and seeing what the roses smell like. Liveships! Its different, but even better.
I sailed to Sarantium & back and landed in Roman Britannia with GGK & Manda Scott. I also discovered Stephen Graham Jones and he sent me back to the horrors of high school with subtle humor that I just fell in love with from the first page of I Was A Teenage Slasher.
@@heidi6281 what what an awesome month fantastic travel and dark delights. I have started Jones trilogy and need to get back to it. I gotta get some GGK on the TBR for early 25. Was such a great way to start last year. You recommend Lions of Al-Rasan right?
@ YES, after reading 5 GGK novels so far, Lions of Al-Rassan is the best so far by a lot! I am not hyping it, he uses an interesting plot device that is 😘!
@@Talking_Story I have Manda Scott on my list for this month. I have heard wonderful things about her from the Brothers Gwynne. GGK is a must. Under Heaven was my book of the year for 2023 and the Sarantine Mosaic is a contender for 2024. Please consider adding it to the TBR.
I picked up the 3 book series after this is the third month... I could not resist the impulse. Plus a special extra is heading in your general direction so I hope this next month finds you and your family having tons of laughs, fun and reading.
Oooh the fact that you are already so enamoured with Realm of the Elderlings when you have only gotten just a little glimpse of the pure GOLD that Hobb has to offer makes me so excited for you! And definitely adding Duma Key to the priority list, I just tackled 11/22/63 and loved it so I am back on the King hype train. Also you haveeee to get to The Sundering Hours asap, that has some of my favourite moments in the series yet! Glad you had such a great spooky season, John. Cheers 🤩
John, when are you going to dive into Liveship Traders? I, like you, had not started Robin Hobb until this year and have become absolutely obsessed with her works. I just finished the Tawny Man trilogy and let me tell you, you've got a lot to look forward to!
Sounds like a pretty good month! Duma Key sounds great. I already started Salem's Lot and after your video I know Revival's going to have to be my next SK, but I think I'll have to make that one my next read after that!
Jaqueline Hagen is on my TBR for sure 😎 Robin Hobb as well, but I think I’m going to collect a few more volumes before I start reading in case I want to binge the whole dang thing 🤣 Have a great week!
So glad you had such an awesome month of reads. I think for fantasy I only worked in Fellowship of the Ring, but I already talked about how fun that book is throughout October. Full of plenty of other fun reads, but I'm still highly anticipating my future fantasy reads!
@@Talking_Story to be honest, most of them are from you! You've recommended a lot of books that I've added to my future tbr plans (and they all look great!) Life is too busy to blow through them right now, but they will be there waiting for me whenever I'm ready
I'm so glad you've enjoyed the first trilogy in the Realm of the Elderlings. I'm working my way through and am already at the third book in the Rain Wild Chronicles. I didn't jibe with the Blacktongue Thief, but loooved Empire of the Damned. The Way of Edan and The Silence of the Girls were also pretty high on my list of great reads this month. But couldn't finish Service Model, as I found it too repetitive. Might give it another go at another time, though. ❤
I'm in chapter 29 of Assasin's Quest. My goodness, such an awesome book and series. I'm hoping to complete it by Sunday. I'm going to get the first book for my sister-in-law for Christmas. She's been wanting to get more into traditional fantasy.
Oh man when I finished the Farseer trilogy I was like "well there's no way it can get better from here". Turns out i was wrong lol Liveship is a big change in it's narrative style, but you'll love it i bet! As for me, I read 'Salem's Lot for the first time and thought it was quite good, I'm petty new to King and can't wait to read more.
Hobb is just amazing. I’m currently reading Renegade’s Magic, book 3 in the Soldiers Son trilogy, and I’m really enjoying this series. It’s not as popular as The Realm of the Elderlings, so I was a little apprehensive when starting. They are very different setting wise, but the slow burn character journey is just as magical (imo). Liveship Traders I think is my favourite overall, but it’s very close between all her books!
There is nothing like the Farseer Trilogy. Like you, I struggled with the pacing of Assassin's Quest around 2/3 the way through but I told myself, "Soldier on because Ms. Hobb won't let you down!" and she didn't. But gosh... I was both happy and sad that the book finally ended. Onto Liveship Traders (probably in a month or so). :)
@@TedReadInstead I will be taking a bit longer break than that. I know u were having a pace problem glad it came through at least bit for u by the end.
I loved the only good indians, my book of the month. Have you read stephen graham jones? Hes so good, and he is one of my favorite contemporary writers.
I have read Heart is a Chainsaw and want to get back to that trilogy now that all the books are out. As a horror fan from way back I had tons of fun with that 1!
I finished 4 books in October. Tress of the Emerald Sea was the best, no contest. As just about everyone else is saying, I can't wait for you to get to Liveships!
I'm also a big fan of Stephen King, he's written a couple of my all-time favourite stories that are up there with ❤Hobb ❤ for the number of times I've re-read them, but I *haven't* read Duma Key. I'll try and get on that. You already know I'm thrilled that Farseer as a whole has found a home in your heart, so you may be surprised to hear me say there's ZERO pressure* to pick up The Liveship Traders straight away. All of the sub-sets within Realm of The Elderlings begin somewhere other than where we left off, with a time jump too. Together it means that it 'feels' right to take breaks when you don't have the opportunity to binge all in one go. The bonus is that it gives time for each individual trilogy to live as its own thing for a while. ~for now. If you take too long, I'll start nagging. 😂 Love your faces guys ❤
Wow you read a lot of books in October, John. I’m so glad you liked Assassin’s Quest so well. It was my least favorite of the trilogy. I liked the ending though. My book of the month was Fool’s Fate.
I have all three Farseer and the first two Liveship but havent read any yet. Part of me wants to make it a priority next year, but I'm a chronic series starter and have a few other big series I should really get back to.
I’m about 75% way through royal assassin so I’m catching up quick! I’ll have to chat with you tomorrow on that potential discussion?! My bad for being behind. I thought I was gonna have more time 😂. But I’m projecting to be finished now around the 15th with the trilogy
I started reading I Am Legend, but then got sick with a cold so that was put on the back burner and replaced with sleep.... I'm better and can't wait to get back to it! Confession time: I've never read Frankenstein and I've only ever seen Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein 😂 .... it's definitely on my tbr though.
So Liveship Traders when? 😂 In October I read: *Fantasy* Earthsea 4: Tehanu - My long overdue return to LeGuin and Earthsea. Wonderful. These books are my idea of cosy Fantasy. Love the themes of found family and ageing. Book of The Month! Memory, Sorrow & Thorn 2: Stone of Farewell - Scratches that LotR and ASOIAF itch, tho so far I like it more that LotR. More in line of what I was hoping Wheel of Time and Faithful & the Fallen would be. *Horror* The Ritual / Adam Nevill - Couldn't put it down! I'll try to prioritise more Nevill going forward. I didn't find the 2nd half as creepy though. *Image Comics* Criminal 2: Lawless Written by Ed Brubaker | Art by Sean Philips - Didn't love this as much as I did the previous volume. Didn't find the plot as engaging. *Marvel Comics* Ultimate Spider-man 1: Married with Children Written by Jonathan Hickman | Art by Marco Checchetto - Loved this! The Spider-man Marvel refuses to give the fans in the main continuity for nearly twenty years! *Short Fiction* Hell is the Absence of God / Ted Chiang - As an atheist with no spiritual leanings this was an interesting read. As for what I'm currently reading: *Epic Fantasy* Fitz & the Fool 2: Fool's Quest Memory, Sorrow & Thorn 3: To Green Angel Tower I'm not the biggest fan of reading multiple books at once now but TGAT is so big I have to break it up On Pause for now: Wars of Light & Shadow 1: Curse of the Mistwraith (re-read)
Not sure when Liveships. What an amazing list as always. I want to pick up some other series and try them out before getting back to Elderlings. Kid in a candy store syndrome 😂
@@Talking_Story A part of me is torn between taking a break from chunky Fantasy books/series or diving back in for more haha (luckily most of one's I can think of are re-reads). Though I might stick to shorter series for a time. Dunno. That's future me's problem... and for me to cause!
@ I am sure it will! How did the DND go? I caught the first hour and a bit but had to go. Will watch the rest as soon as I can. It was very entertaining despite not having a clue what was going on! (Never played before)
I read 6 books in October as well. That's a huuuge achievement for me. My Book of the Month is "The Escher Man" by T.R. Napper. Stunningly impressive cyberpunk action, highly recommend.
If you listen carefully you can hear the November TBR books breathing a sigh of relief that they might be in with a chance to win it... Book of the month for me has gotta be Ashes of Man. I'm still thinking about it now..
Read the whole series, don't skip anything, I read each on publication and I remember how I first fealt all those decades ago, I envy you your first time into the realm, it will stay in your heart forever.
Wait so u recorded this on November 4th and didn’t wish me happy birthday? Rude. Jk jk glad you enjoyed spooky season and so excited to see your videos from Dragonsteel!
So not so much read this month for me, a litte Stephen King and Daniel Abraham mostly and started on The sunlit man by Brando Sando. I mostly focused on my own writing this time. It goes soooo slow XD But there are some interesting choices I have to make that makes up for that :)
I mostly did audiobooks for October, and I went through Duma Key (not bad, not scary either), Frankenstein (in the minority where I wasn't a fan of the prose, and I wanted to wring Victor's neck pretty much the whole time, I think only knowing Young Frankenstein hurt that story for me, but I have 2 pretty copies), and then I took a break and jumped into some steamy rom-com with an underlying mystery threaded through the 4 book series, which i found that aspect interesting, definitely kept me engaged, I used to read Nancy Drew a lot when I was younger. That series kindof wins, even though I didn't finish the whole thing til today, I flew through them. Would really love a scary read, but so far, no such luck. Horror movies don't even scare me. I don't know, I hit my 40s and my life is still scarier than books and movies. I wish SK didn't say what happened to the characters before they did in Duma Key, that made me mark it down a little bit.
@@jenn9027 King pulls that trick out of his bag quite a bit. Awesome to revisit our youth with a Time Machine read that can take us back. I agree real life can be the scariest sometimes!
@Talking_Story plenty still on my list, so I'll keep going, definitely want to do the 3 I had originally planned before you took over my tbr list for the month. But if those aren't available on my audiobook app, then I'll choose another from the extensive library. The narrator can also make or break it for me, I stopped audiobooks after the disaster that was GoT Tyrion pov chapters. But at least I'm getting through stuff again, granted not the physical way, but I stare at a computer screen for hours, my eyes are just done after that mess.
I have heard mixed opinions on «The Black Tongue Thief», but mostly positives on the prequel «The Daughter’s War»! As for myself, in October I read: Mary Shelley’s «Frankenstein» (Gothic Science Fiction, with illustrations by Bernie Wrightson: Breathtaking!) «The Land Leviathan» (A Nomad of the Time Streams» Trilogy #2) by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse/Alternative History/Time Travel Steampunk(?)😅) «Midnight Falcon» (Rigante #2) by David Gemmell (Heroic Fantasy/S&S inspired by Celtic Britain and the Roman Invasions and Gladiators) «The City» (City of Victory Trilogy #2) by Adrian Goldsworthy (Historical Military Fiction set during Emperor Trajan’s Campaigns) «The Power Broker» by Robert Caro (Political Biography/Investigative Journalism Classic, my Q4 long-read) Now in November, I have just finished «The Steel Tsar» (A Nomad of the Time Streams» Trilogy #3) by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse/Alternative History/Time Travel Steampunk(?)😅), next is up is «Lord of Light» by Roger Zelazny (Science Fantasy inspired by the Legend of Siddhartha Gautama/the Buddha) and «The Fury of the Gods» (Bloodsworn Saga #3) by John Gwynne (Epic Fantasy inspired by Norse Mythology)! That said, I going on a Holiday soon, so that might impact my reading! 😅 Cheers Mintons, stay cool and stay safe! 😎🙌
@@SeaninsShelf u have a lot of awesome stories waiting for you if you feel they are pulling u. If they are not go with the stories that are calling out to you 😀
Andrew you said you enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars. Changed your mind? It is one of my favorite books of all time and even though the prequel is an excellent story it is unbelievably depressing.. Blacktongue is an excellent story that makes you laugh outloud.
@@AndrewsWizardlyReads Just saying you have more power than you realize, if you call a book “Eh” I would skip it as I see that as a “Meh” and I trust you. For me 4 stars is never a “Eh or a “Meh” unless it is 4 out of 10.
@ Too many to name, but I really appreciate you asking. Right now I’m really enjoying JT Wright’s Infinite World series. Four books out with the fifth being written (per the author’s Discord).
I haven't binged a series like you are for a long time. I mostly read historiy and classics which aren't usally series. It's such a great experience though. I think the last time was 2022 when I was binging Witcher and the Dune Saga at the same time. What a great time! I should pick something and just go ahead with it. I will be finishing Legends of the Galatic Heroes next year when I head home and grab the last three off my shelves so I will have the room on my scheudule. I am casually going through Wheel of Time, but I don't thing that series has captivated me the way it has others......don't come at me!....so I don't feel a strong desire to binge it. I do have the Children of Time trilogy to finish this year. It's nice to see Jakob being gradually converted to our form of insanity. Here's some booktalk from me, should you choose to accept it. Ahem......... First on the docket this month was a reread of the Silver Chair by CS Lewis. I listened to this on audio while running and it remains one of my favorite audiobooks of all time, an opinion I have maintained since early childhood. Jeremy Northram is absolutely fantastic. Silver Chair is always on my list of favorite fantasy books of all time, in part due to the introduction of Puddleglum the Marshwiggle, whose unlimitless pessimism, or boundless optimism depending on how you look at it, has inspired me to claw my way out of many a melancholic episode. Good times this book. Lots of complaining which I appreciate, obviously, mostly about being cold and hungry. Just makes me crack up. Next I finished Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, which was my first full novel by Brandon Sanderson. First off, the illustrations were absolutely stunning. I actually bought the book mainly for the artwork and didn’t honestly care too much if the story was amazing or not. The book ended up being really enjoyable. The way the characters interact in this world felt fresh and distinct enough that I didn't find myself endlessly comparing it to Sanderson's influences, particularly the film Your Name which he has mentioned inspired him, a fantastic animated film I’d definitely recommend if you're into that kind of movie (or honestly, even if you're not). One thing I will say about Yumi and the Nightmare Painter-and this isn't a criticism at all-is that I don’t think this book is going to be the one to make me dive into more Sanderson novels right away. It’s pretty different from his usual stuff, so I’m still on the fence about whether I’ll explore his larger bibliography. But who knows, maybe I’ll change my mind down the line. I picked up Snow Country by Kawabata. This is my third book by him, and I’ve really enjoyed his other works, especially The Old Capital. But this one… was just *okay*. A month ago, I read a Japanese classic called Tales of Snow Country, written by a guy from the Snow Country region in the 19th century. That one was super interesting and gave a lot of cool insight into the setting. *Snow Country* (the Kawabata one) takes place in the same area, but it's more of a romance between two-or maybe three-pretty unlikeable characters. Honestly, everyone in this book just seemed to spend all their valuable time either drunk as a skunk or waiting around on train platforms, which didn’t make for the most engaging read. Maybe it’s the translation, who knows. But still, Kawabata is a fantastic author, and I’m definitely planning to read more of his work. Oh! This month I finally got around to reading the latest Witcher book, Season of Storms. When I say "latest," I mean it came out like ten years ago, but hey, better late than never, right? Anyway, the book was pretty solid! It didn’t quite reach the highs of The Dear Friend Letter, but it was definitely an enjoyable read. The structure was a bit different from the others-it felt more like a collection of connected short stories rather than one continuous narrative. There was also a bit more focus on the theme of unreliable historical narratives, which the author kind of tried to shoehorn into Lady of the Lake, but honestly, it didn’t bother me here. I just love this world so much. Every time I hear "Temeria" or "Kaer Morhen," I can't help but feel a little more chipper. I'm already excited for the next book, though I have no idea when the English translation will be out. At least I’ve got something to look forward to! This month, I picked up Barrayar from the Vorkosigan Saga. At this point, I’ve given up trying to read the series in publication order and switched to chronological order instead. Honestly, my brain just can’t handle jumping back and forth in time. The Vorkosigan books are a really solid sci-fi series-short and quick enough to make for nice listening during my runs. I know Jake Bishop and Read by Kyle are huge fans of these books, so I’m diving into the ones featuring Miles Vorkosigan and enjoying the ride. Nice change of pace. Reread Fareinheit 451. Haven't read this since middle school with Mom so it was nice to revist. If you haven't read it, read it. I would actually recommend reading it over listening because it seems like all the narrators I have listened to tend to end up agressively SHOUTING some of these internal monologues which I could have done without. Good book. I finished two big books on my list this month! One was, "The First Man in Rome", the first book in the "Masters of Rome" series, written by an Australian neurologist. The series spans seven books, and they're all massive-this one was over 1,000 pages. Only parts of this I wasn't crazy about was Sulla who sucks. This is the second book I have read lately that featured Sulla and he was AWFUL is both. Like Harkonnen bad sometimes. Now, in this book you can just skip through these parts if this isn't something you want to get through as it mostly stops about a third of the way through the book. There’s a ton of other characters and events to dive into, so it never feels like you’re stuck with him. This book really felt epic in scope, so I think fantasy readers who enjoy long, intricate series will probably get a lot out of it. This might be the series for me to begin taking super seriously, like Realm of the Elderlings for you John. I have books two and three at home which I will see about getting when I return home. I feel like I say that a lot. Next big read, and the last one of the month, was the original "Tale of the Heike". I say "original" because, you know, it’s a translation for those of us who don’t speak medieval Japanese. This monumental work has been on my TBR for ages, and I’m so glad I finally finished it. Well, that was October. Not a bad month all in all. I wish I had been home for Halloween and to see the leaves change. I did give a presentation on Halloween to the students here in Europe and was given hell by EVERYONE for being one of the only people in the school who didn't dress up. Happy reading and have a great month!
I love the book talk! Will take a break before going into Liveship to try out some other series so the binging will be curbed for a while. Man your list floors me. Such varied thought provoking stuff. I gotta look some of these titles up!
@@Talking_Story Sounds like what's nice about Hobb is that it's easy to take break between sub series. Cool concept that you don't see often as far as I know. Yeah I like to mix books up. Read different things. Cheers!
Long Live Queen Hobb
@@angelamccollister yes long live the queen!
I'm glad that you finished and enjoyed the Farseer Trilogy. In my opinion, you still have the best stuff to come in Realm of the Elderlings. I hope you can get around to Liveship Traders soon. I'm extremely excited for you to read Tawny Man because, like many others, it's my favourite trilogy in Realm of the Elderlings. Tawny Man is for me the best fantasy has to offer. I've been chasing the high for a while now and I'm yet to find anything as moving.
@@maxt5319 from what I hear Tawny Man is gonna hit me hard!
What a titanic matchup: Hobb vs King ! Excellent and enjoyable video! You power through books like no one's business!
@@BrianBell7 as do u my brother
So thrilled that you’ve connected with Fitz’s tale so deeply, and you have many many more stops to go along the journey.
Thanks for getting me hyped for Duma Key as well which I rarely hear about!
@@BooksWithBenghisKahn people don’t talk about this 1 as much but look out for that ending dark dark.
Gallant, Frankenstein, Hop on Pop - Jakob is just blowing through books right now.
@@gryftkin I can’t even recognize that kid
This is what character development looks like, my friend.
@@groofay right?!
I kind of want a Swedish massage wrecking machine now. 😂
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy sorry to say they are on back order
Nailed it! I get people having a problem with the pace but for me, its about Fitz slowing down and seeing what the roses smell like.
Liveships! Its different, but even better.
@@godmathias I am excited to get to that!
Reading Frankenstein with you guys was so much fun!
@@AReadersJourney thanks so much! We had a blast!
I sailed to Sarantium & back and landed in Roman Britannia with GGK & Manda Scott. I also discovered Stephen Graham Jones and he sent me back to the horrors of high school with subtle humor that I just fell in love with from the first page of I Was A Teenage Slasher.
@@heidi6281 what what an awesome month fantastic travel and dark delights. I have started Jones trilogy and need to get back to it. I gotta get some GGK on the TBR for early 25. Was such a great way to start last year. You recommend Lions of Al-Rasan right?
@
YES, after reading 5 GGK novels so far, Lions of Al-Rassan is the best so far by a lot! I am not hyping it, he uses an interesting plot device that is 😘!
@ done then that is the next 1 for me
@@Talking_Story I have Manda Scott on my list for this month. I have heard wonderful things about her from the Brothers Gwynne. GGK is a must. Under Heaven was my book of the year for 2023 and the Sarantine Mosaic is a contender for 2024. Please consider adding it to the TBR.
@ my next GGK will be Lions and hope to grab it soon!
Oh, Robin Hobb is just superb. Fitz is my favorite character of all time
@@Cal_ta he quickly moving up that list for me as well!
That's the correct take.
I, for one, am shocked at what your book of the month was! Never could’ve seen this coming!
Can’t wait to one day get into Hobb’s works.
@@N.A.Summur a lot are shocked and stunned
@ absolutely! lol.
Great book list! I just finished Assassin’s Apprentice last night. Such a good read!
@@thegreatwaugh oh I am so glad it hit for you as well!
This makes me incredibly happy.
I forgot to add this to my comment earlier. Thanks for the great videos, guys!
@@katherinep1010 oh wow you are so kind. Thank you
I picked up the 3 book series after this is the third month... I could not resist the impulse. Plus a special extra is heading in your general direction so I hope this next month finds you and your family having tons of laughs, fun and reading.
@@tallaaron1115 thanks so much for all my friend. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and I will keep my eyes open for what is coming my way!
You’ve caught up to me with The Riverfall Chronicles. It’s so good. I’ll have to get to book 4 sometime in Q1 of the new year. 💙
@@elaineirving77 I am thinking the same. I won’t be able to wait to long before getting back to that world.
Excellent list.
@@Dennis_M_Myers thanks my friend!
Oooh the fact that you are already so enamoured with Realm of the Elderlings when you have only gotten just a little glimpse of the pure GOLD that Hobb has to offer makes me so excited for you!
And definitely adding Duma Key to the priority list, I just tackled 11/22/63 and loved it so I am back on the King hype train.
Also you haveeee to get to The Sundering Hours asap, that has some of my favourite moments in the series yet! Glad you had such a great spooky season, John. Cheers 🤩
Cheers to you Esmay. Hope your spooky season was amazing!
John, when are you going to dive into Liveship Traders? I, like you, had not started Robin Hobb until this year and have become absolutely obsessed with her works. I just finished the Tawny Man trilogy and let me tell you, you've got a lot to look forward to!
@@jackson-285 I want to try some other series first but can’t imagine I don’t pick them up sometime in 25.
Sounds like a fantastic reading month my dude!
It really was!
Love the 2toRamble merch, Jakob!
@@KALtheHighstorm117 it is cool. I have a shirt I should wear it more often!
@Talking_Story It's good to have things that teeter our totters
@ isnt it though 😂
So glad you loved Farseer! Just curious, any idea when you might continue the series and pick up Liveship Traders?
@@lucasbertsche3710 nothing planned but I hope 25
Sounds like a pretty good month! Duma Key sounds great. I already started Salem's Lot and after your video I know Revival's going to have to be my next SK, but I think I'll have to make that one my next read after that!
If you dig Cosmic horror at all. Revival is a must!
@@Talking_Story it was the way you sold it in that video a few weeks back more than anything that got my interest this piqued, ha.
@@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels can’t wait to hear what you think!
Jaqueline Hagen is on my TBR for sure 😎 Robin Hobb as well, but I think I’m going to collect a few more volumes before I start reading in case I want to binge the whole dang thing 🤣 Have a great week!
I totally understand wanting all those beauties lined up on the shelf!
So glad you had such an awesome month of reads. I think for fantasy I only worked in Fellowship of the Ring, but I already talked about how fun that book is throughout October. Full of plenty of other fun reads, but I'm still highly anticipating my future fantasy reads!
@@DecidedPanda wonderful to have great reads on the horizon!
@@Talking_Story to be honest, most of them are from you! You've recommended a lot of books that I've added to my future tbr plans (and they all look great!) Life is too busy to blow through them right now, but they will be there waiting for me whenever I'm ready
@@DecidedPanda this makes my day!
Like Robin Hobb books!! 📕
@@safinan8008 ohhhh me too!
I'm so glad you've enjoyed the first trilogy in the Realm of the Elderlings. I'm working my way through and am already at the third book in the Rain Wild Chronicles. I didn't jibe with the Blacktongue Thief, but loooved Empire of the Damned. The Way of Edan and The Silence of the Girls were also pretty high on my list of great reads this month. But couldn't finish Service Model, as I found it too repetitive. Might give it another go at another time, though. ❤
@@heathergoldsmith Edan and Empire of the Damned were great! Sounds like you had very good reading month
I'm in chapter 29 of Assasin's Quest. My goodness, such an awesome book and series. I'm hoping to complete it by Sunday. I'm going to get the first book for my sister-in-law for Christmas. She's been wanting to get more into traditional fantasy.
@@christhewritingjester3164 yeah spread the word!
That was my exact review of The Historian. I wanted to love the whole book too.
@@jeffbowman1225 me too!
Oh man when I finished the Farseer trilogy I was like "well there's no way it can get better from here". Turns out i was wrong lol Liveship is a big change in it's narrative style, but you'll love it i bet!
As for me, I read 'Salem's Lot for the first time and thought it was quite good, I'm petty new to King and can't wait to read more.
Oh enjoy your King journey! I cannot wait to continue with Hobb.
Three in a row! If anyone, Hobb is it!
@@Steffenwg the Queen
Hobb is just amazing. I’m currently reading Renegade’s Magic, book 3 in the Soldiers Son trilogy, and I’m really enjoying this series. It’s not as popular as The Realm of the Elderlings, so I was a little apprehensive when starting. They are very different setting wise, but the slow burn character journey is just as magical (imo). Liveship Traders I think is my favourite overall, but it’s very close between all her books!
@@samreads. oh this 1 was not on my radar thanks so much for this!
There is nothing like the Farseer Trilogy. Like you, I struggled with the pacing of Assassin's Quest around 2/3 the way through but I told myself, "Soldier on because Ms. Hobb won't let you down!" and she didn't. But gosh... I was both happy and sad that the book finally ended.
Onto Liveship Traders (probably in a month or so). :)
@@TedReadInstead I will be taking a bit longer break than that. I know u were having a pace problem glad it came through at least bit for u by the end.
I loved the only good indians, my book of the month. Have you read stephen graham jones? Hes so good, and he is one of my favorite contemporary writers.
I have read Heart is a Chainsaw and want to get back to that trilogy now that all the books are out. As a horror fan from way back I had tons of fun with that 1!
I finished 4 books in October. Tress of the Emerald Sea was the best, no contest.
As just about everyone else is saying, I can't wait for you to get to Liveships!
@@katherinep1010 hard to believe it will be better!
@@katherinep1010 I really liked Hoids narrative voice in Tress
Duma key is fantastic
@@AndrewsWizardlyReads so glad I went back and caught up on that 1
Frankenstein is in my top 10!
@@WordsinTime has to be! So ahead of its time.
I'm also a big fan of Stephen King, he's written a couple of my all-time favourite stories that are up there with ❤Hobb ❤ for the number of times I've re-read them, but I *haven't* read Duma Key. I'll try and get on that.
You already know I'm thrilled that Farseer as a whole has found a home in your heart, so you may be surprised to hear me say there's ZERO pressure* to pick up The Liveship Traders straight away. All of the sub-sets within Realm of The Elderlings begin somewhere other than where we left off, with a time jump too. Together it means that it 'feels' right to take breaks when you don't have the opportunity to binge all in one go. The bonus is that it gives time for each individual trilogy to live as its own thing for a while.
~for now. If you take too long, I'll start nagging. 😂
Love your faces guys ❤
@@derrisreaditbefore I will have to go back to that world in 25. I am gonna do my best to meet the queen at Dragonsteel
@@Talking_Story Make sure she knows about me! At 23 readthroughs and counting, I have questions for her 😉
@@derrisreaditbefore I have no doubt you do! Will do!
I love assassins quest so much
Sooooo good. Hit me very personally.
Wow you read a lot of books in October, John. I’m so glad you liked Assassin’s Quest so well. It was my least favorite of the trilogy. I liked the ending though.
My book of the month was Fool’s Fate.
@@BookishChas the other end of the series. I will get there!
I have all three Farseer and the first two Liveship but havent read any yet. Part of me wants to make it a priority next year, but I'm a chronic series starter and have a few other big series I should really get back to.
@@danreadstooslow it will be there when u get to it my friend. Can’t wait to hear what you think when you do get there!
I’m about 75% way through royal assassin so I’m catching up quick! I’ll have to chat with you tomorrow on that potential discussion?! My bad for being behind. I thought I was gonna have more time 😂. But I’m projecting to be finished now around the 15th with the trilogy
@@Chance.Dillon for sure!
I started reading I Am Legend, but then got sick with a cold so that was put on the back burner and replaced with sleep.... I'm better and can't wait to get back to it!
Confession time: I've never read Frankenstein and I've only ever seen Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein 😂 .... it's definitely on my tbr though.
@@lizc.214 u will find it very different from that movie version. Young Frankenstein is great though.
So Liveship Traders when? 😂
In October I read:
*Fantasy*
Earthsea 4: Tehanu
- My long overdue return to LeGuin and Earthsea. Wonderful. These books are my idea of cosy Fantasy. Love the themes of found family and ageing. Book of The Month!
Memory, Sorrow & Thorn 2: Stone of Farewell
- Scratches that LotR and ASOIAF itch, tho so far I like it more that LotR. More in line of what I was hoping Wheel of Time and Faithful & the Fallen would be.
*Horror*
The Ritual / Adam Nevill
- Couldn't put it down! I'll try to prioritise more Nevill going forward. I didn't find the 2nd half as creepy though.
*Image Comics*
Criminal 2: Lawless
Written by Ed Brubaker | Art by Sean Philips
- Didn't love this as much as I did the previous volume. Didn't find the plot as engaging.
*Marvel Comics*
Ultimate Spider-man 1: Married with Children
Written by Jonathan Hickman | Art by Marco Checchetto
- Loved this! The Spider-man Marvel refuses to give the fans in the main continuity for nearly twenty years!
*Short Fiction*
Hell is the Absence of God / Ted Chiang
- As an atheist with no spiritual leanings this was an interesting read.
As for what I'm currently reading:
*Epic Fantasy*
Fitz & the Fool 2: Fool's Quest
Memory, Sorrow & Thorn 3: To Green Angel Tower
I'm not the biggest fan of reading multiple books at once now but TGAT is so big I have to break it up
On Pause for now:
Wars of Light & Shadow 1: Curse of the Mistwraith (re-read)
Not sure when Liveships. What an amazing list as always. I want to pick up some other series and try them out before getting back to Elderlings. Kid in a candy store syndrome 😂
@@Talking_Story A part of me is torn between taking a break from chunky Fantasy books/series or diving back in for more haha (luckily most of one's I can think of are re-reads). Though I might stick to shorter series for a time. Dunno. That's future me's problem... and for me to cause!
@ sounds like a great problem to wade through
Another strong month! Feel like I need to bump Robin Hobb up my list now….
@@Broon88 can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Hope it hits you like it did me.
@ I am sure it will!
How did the DND go? I caught the first hour and a bit but had to go. Will watch the rest as soon as I can. It was very entertaining despite not having a clue what was going on! (Never played before)
@ I feel exactly the same way. I was entertained but had no idea what was happening 😂
Finished Royal Assassin today - on to Assassin's Quest! :)
@@fiveyen onwards!
I read 6 books in October as well. That's a huuuge achievement for me. My Book of the Month is "The Escher Man" by T.R. Napper. Stunningly impressive cyberpunk action, highly recommend.
@@charactergeneric1885 I will have to look that 1 up. Don’t know that 1. Thanks!
I guess I really have to get to Robin Hobb soon!!
@@subjectiveexperiences1072 I hope she hits for you like she did me.
If you listen carefully you can hear the November TBR books breathing a sigh of relief that they might be in with a chance to win it...
Book of the month for me has gotta be Ashes of Man. I'm still thinking about it now..
@@mrgoodkat8448 I hope to grab Ashes of Man very soon!
John had me fooled for exactly zero seconds on what his book of the month would be😂
@@theclassy4 u guys know me too well!
Read the whole series, don't skip anything, I read each on publication and I remember how I first fealt all those decades ago, I envy you your first time into the realm, it will stay in your heart forever.
Oh I am for sure gonna read every bit of it!
Are you guys doing some kind of meet up at dragon steel ? It would be awesome to meet you guys !
@@JohnfromNY89 we don’t have a meet up planned but we will be all over would love to meet u! If you see us would love to meet my friend.
Wait so u recorded this on November 4th and didn’t wish me happy birthday? Rude.
Jk jk glad you enjoyed spooky season and so excited to see your videos from Dragonsteel!
Happiest of Birthdays Wera!!
So not so much read this month for me, a litte Stephen King and Daniel Abraham mostly and started on The sunlit man by Brando Sando. I mostly focused on my own writing this time. It goes soooo slow XD But there are some interesting choices I have to make that makes up for that :)
Focusing on your own writing is amazing news! Hope all goes super with your project!
@@Talking_Story Thank so much! And same to you. Can't wait to hear more about you and your familys writing project.
@ there is amazing things brewing! News soon!
I mostly did audiobooks for October, and I went through Duma Key (not bad, not scary either), Frankenstein (in the minority where I wasn't a fan of the prose, and I wanted to wring Victor's neck pretty much the whole time, I think only knowing Young Frankenstein hurt that story for me, but I have 2 pretty copies), and then I took a break and jumped into some steamy rom-com with an underlying mystery threaded through the 4 book series, which i found that aspect interesting, definitely kept me engaged, I used to read Nancy Drew a lot when I was younger. That series kindof wins, even though I didn't finish the whole thing til today, I flew through them. Would really love a scary read, but so far, no such luck. Horror movies don't even scare me. I don't know, I hit my 40s and my life is still scarier than books and movies. I wish SK didn't say what happened to the characters before they did in Duma Key, that made me mark it down a little bit.
@@jenn9027 King pulls that trick out of his bag quite a bit. Awesome to revisit our youth with a Time Machine read that can take us back. I agree real life can be the scariest sometimes!
@Talking_Story plenty still on my list, so I'll keep going, definitely want to do the 3 I had originally planned before you took over my tbr list for the month. But if those aren't available on my audiobook app, then I'll choose another from the extensive library. The narrator can also make or break it for me, I stopped audiobooks after the disaster that was GoT Tyrion pov chapters. But at least I'm getting through stuff again, granted not the physical way, but I stare at a computer screen for hours, my eyes are just done after that mess.
@ I get it. Screens can wreck the eyes. No doubt
I Had to search what a Swedish massage is 😂
@@RhysWritings that search could get you in trouble
@Talking_Story Yeah it was risky search but nothing too spicy though. I deleted my search history after just in case 😆
@ smart!
Doofus! I love that word, people dont use it enough!
I'm currently making my way through Terry Brooks Shannara series, it's a long one!
That is a long 1. Letter me know how it hits u. Been wondering if I should give it a try. Doing my best to bring back Doofus and Groovy😀
I have heard mixed opinions on «The Black Tongue Thief», but mostly positives on the prequel «The Daughter’s War»!
As for myself, in October I read:
Mary Shelley’s «Frankenstein» (Gothic Science Fiction, with illustrations by Bernie Wrightson: Breathtaking!)
«The Land Leviathan» (A Nomad of the Time Streams» Trilogy #2) by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse/Alternative History/Time Travel Steampunk(?)😅)
«Midnight Falcon» (Rigante #2) by David Gemmell (Heroic Fantasy/S&S inspired by Celtic Britain and the Roman Invasions and Gladiators)
«The City» (City of Victory Trilogy #2) by Adrian Goldsworthy (Historical Military Fiction set during Emperor Trajan’s Campaigns)
«The Power Broker» by Robert Caro (Political Biography/Investigative Journalism Classic, my Q4 long-read)
Now in November, I have just finished «The Steel Tsar» (A Nomad of the Time Streams» Trilogy #3) by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse/Alternative History/Time Travel Steampunk(?)😅), next is up is «Lord of Light» by Roger Zelazny (Science Fantasy inspired by the Legend of Siddhartha Gautama/the Buddha) and «The Fury of the Gods» (Bloodsworn Saga #3) by John Gwynne (Epic Fantasy inspired by Norse Mythology)! That said, I going on a Holiday soon, so that might impact my reading! 😅
Cheers Mintons, stay cool and stay safe! 😎🙌
Have a wonderful safe and memorable holiday my friend!
I'm a heathen because I've never read Hobb or King.
@@SeaninsShelf u have a lot of awesome stories waiting for you if you feel they are pulling u. If they are not go with the stories that are calling out to you 😀
Black tongue thief is eh
I had issues but I liked where it left off enough to go back to that dark world that I thought was built well
Andrew you said you enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars. Changed your mind? It is one of my favorite books of all time and even though the prequel is an excellent story it is unbelievably depressing.. Blacktongue is an excellent story that makes you laugh outloud.
@ I like it but I remember it being a bit messy. I’d say 4 stars is still accurate
@@AndrewsWizardlyReads
Just saying you have more power than you realize, if you call a book “Eh” I would skip it as I see that as a “Meh” and I trust you. For me 4 stars is never a “Eh or a “Meh” unless it is 4 out of 10.
Always been one of those I've never had that much interest in reading. I've heard the humour is meant to be reminiscent of Irish humour?
I appreciate your passion. But Farseer felt like trauma-porn and broken promises.
@@HollowDomain110 we all see stories so differently! Part of the magic to me. What are some of your favs?
@ Too many to name, but I really appreciate you asking. Right now I’m really enjoying JT Wright’s Infinite World series. Four books out with the fifth being written (per the author’s Discord).
@ I will have to look into that 1! Have not heard of it.
I haven't binged a series like you are for a long time. I mostly read historiy and classics which aren't usally series. It's such a great experience though. I think the last time was 2022 when I was binging Witcher and the Dune Saga at the same time. What a great time! I should pick something and just go ahead with it. I will be finishing Legends of the Galatic Heroes next year when I head home and grab the last three off my shelves so I will have the room on my scheudule. I am casually going through Wheel of Time, but I don't thing that series has captivated me the way it has others......don't come at me!....so I don't feel a strong desire to binge it. I do have the Children of Time trilogy to finish this year.
It's nice to see Jakob being gradually converted to our form of insanity.
Here's some booktalk from me, should you choose to accept it. Ahem.........
First on the docket this month was a reread of the Silver Chair by CS Lewis. I listened to this on audio while running and it remains one of my favorite audiobooks of all time, an opinion I have maintained since early childhood. Jeremy Northram is absolutely fantastic. Silver Chair is always on my list of favorite fantasy books of all time, in part due to the introduction of Puddleglum the Marshwiggle, whose unlimitless pessimism, or boundless optimism depending on how you look at it, has inspired me to claw my way out of many a melancholic episode. Good times this book. Lots of complaining which I appreciate, obviously, mostly about being cold and hungry. Just makes me crack up.
Next I finished Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, which was my first full novel by Brandon Sanderson. First off, the illustrations were absolutely stunning. I actually bought the book mainly for the artwork and didn’t honestly care too much if the story was amazing or not. The book ended up being really enjoyable. The way the characters interact in this world felt fresh and distinct enough that I didn't find myself endlessly comparing it to Sanderson's influences, particularly the film Your Name which he has mentioned inspired him, a fantastic animated film I’d definitely recommend if you're into that kind of movie (or honestly, even if you're not). One thing I will say about Yumi and the Nightmare Painter-and this isn't a criticism at all-is that I don’t think this book is going to be the one to make me dive into more Sanderson novels right away. It’s pretty different from his usual stuff, so I’m still on the fence about whether I’ll explore his larger bibliography. But who knows, maybe I’ll change my mind down the line.
I picked up Snow Country by Kawabata. This is my third book by him, and I’ve really enjoyed his other works, especially The Old Capital. But this one… was just *okay*.
A month ago, I read a Japanese classic called Tales of Snow Country, written by a guy from the Snow Country region in the 19th century. That one was super interesting and gave a lot of cool insight into the setting. *Snow Country* (the Kawabata one) takes place in the same area, but it's more of a romance between two-or maybe three-pretty unlikeable characters. Honestly, everyone in this book just seemed to spend all their valuable time either drunk as a skunk or waiting around on train platforms, which didn’t make for the most engaging read. Maybe it’s the translation, who knows. But still, Kawabata is a fantastic author, and I’m definitely planning to read more of his work.
Oh! This month I finally got around to reading the latest Witcher book, Season of Storms. When I say "latest," I mean it came out like ten years ago, but hey, better late than never, right? Anyway, the book was pretty solid! It didn’t quite reach the highs of The Dear Friend Letter, but it was definitely an enjoyable read. The structure was a bit different from the others-it felt more like a collection of connected short stories rather than one continuous narrative. There was also a bit more focus on the theme of unreliable historical narratives, which the author kind of tried to shoehorn into Lady of the Lake, but honestly, it didn’t bother me here. I just love this world so much. Every time I hear "Temeria" or "Kaer Morhen," I can't help but feel a little more chipper. I'm already excited for the next book, though I have no idea when the English translation will be out. At least I’ve got something to look forward to!
This month, I picked up Barrayar from the Vorkosigan Saga. At this point, I’ve given up trying to read the series in publication order and switched to chronological order instead. Honestly, my brain just can’t handle jumping back and forth in time. The Vorkosigan books are a really solid sci-fi series-short and quick enough to make for nice listening during my runs. I know Jake Bishop and Read by Kyle are huge fans of these books, so I’m diving into the ones featuring Miles Vorkosigan and enjoying the ride. Nice change of pace.
Reread Fareinheit 451. Haven't read this since middle school with Mom so it was nice to revist. If you haven't read it, read it. I would actually recommend reading it over listening because it seems like all the narrators I have listened to tend to end up agressively SHOUTING some of these internal monologues which I could have done without. Good book.
I finished two big books on my list this month! One was, "The First Man in Rome", the first book in the "Masters of Rome" series, written by an Australian neurologist. The series spans seven books, and they're all massive-this one was over 1,000 pages. Only parts of this I wasn't crazy about was Sulla who sucks. This is the second book I have read lately that featured Sulla and he was AWFUL is both. Like Harkonnen bad sometimes. Now, in this book you can just skip through these parts if this isn't something you want to get through as it mostly stops about a third of the way through the book. There’s a ton of other characters and events to dive into, so it never feels like you’re stuck with him. This book really felt epic in scope, so I think fantasy readers who enjoy long, intricate series will probably get a lot out of it. This might be the series for me to begin taking super seriously, like Realm of the Elderlings for you John. I have books two and three at home which I will see about getting when I return home. I feel like I say that a lot.
Next big read, and the last one of the month, was the original "Tale of the Heike". I say "original" because, you know, it’s a translation for those of us who don’t speak medieval Japanese. This monumental work has been on my TBR for ages, and I’m so glad I finally finished it.
Well, that was October. Not a bad month all in all. I wish I had been home for Halloween and to see the leaves change. I did give a presentation on Halloween to the students here in Europe and was given hell by EVERYONE for being one of the only people in the school who didn't dress up.
Happy reading and have a great month!
I love the book talk! Will take a break before going into Liveship to try out some other series so the binging will be curbed for a while. Man your list floors me. Such varied thought provoking stuff. I gotta look some of these titles up!
@@Talking_Story Sounds like what's nice about Hobb is that it's easy to take break between sub series. Cool concept that you don't see often as far as I know.
Yeah I like to mix books up. Read different things.
Cheers!
@ cheers to u!!