Woooo so happy you loved Yumi as much as I did! It worked like a charm for me 😊 Dude. Dude. You don’t realize what you’re in for with the rest of Realm of the Elderlings. It’s too good. You have me so pumped to read the original Farseer trilogy now 💪
I appreciate your reading of Hobb’s work 🙏🏽, not only for the nice prose but also the fantastic reading itself! The voice and emphasis, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to just that small piece after a long day
I’m so glad that Robin Hobb is speaking to you that deeply. I can’t wait to relive this special journey vicariously through you. As for me, my book of the month was World Without End by Ken Follett. Incredible and more than worthy sequel to The Pillars of the Earth, which is one of my favorite books of all-time now!
It's going to be amazing to watch your Realm of the Elderlings journey, John. Also, wonderful to hear your thoughts once again on Ordinary Grace. Such a tragic yet beautiful story!
John, I have been reading RoTE for over 25 years now (again and again), and your description of what it is about, is BY FAR the best I have ever heard or read. Thank you so much for framing so precisely and emotionally the best literature I have ever read, that deeply impacted my life. Truly masterful.
You are very kind. Fair to say I have just started my journey and I feel it has impacted mine as well and I am so thrilled to share this story with you.
My five star reads for the month are Junkyard, Dogs, Hell is Empty, and As the Crow Flies by Craig Johnson. Also, Age of the King by Philip C, Quaintrell, Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurtz , Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett, and Perelandra by C.S Lewis. I’m addicted to the Longmire mysteries at the moment as I love all the characters and the relationships and sense of family that exists between them. I loved the Realm of the Eldering series for the same reason. I’m glad you are enjoying Mrs. Hobb. She is a wonderful storyteller!
Love to hear that you had such a spectacular birthday reading month! The fact that you are already such a Hobb fanboy at this point is making me extremely excited for you to discover the gold that is yet to come in the rest of the series! And HECK YES for Demon, I told you it was messed up and dark hahah. Along the Razor's Edge and The Heresy Within are two faves of mine by him as well! My standouts of September were Hell of a Witch by Rachel Aaron, Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan, Of Love and Loss by BSH Garcia and I was also pleasantly surprised by my first read of Dracula! Was a fun month :)
I'm about 200 pages into of War and Ruin. Everyone please read this series! It just gets better and better! If Mr. Cahill keeps going on this upward trajectory he will be mentioned with the TITANS OF FANTASY.
Just finished Oathbringer this week! WOWOWOWOWOW! Loved it! Currently about halfway through Iron Gold. A good change of pace. But definitely struggling with the pace haha I’m sure it will pick up at the end!
Wow! Sounds like you had an amazing month! Happy for you. 😄Also thanks for convincing me to read Justice of Kings, that was wonderful journey and love the necromancy!
@@Talking_Story Yes indeed... I need at least 2 months for the first 4. One good thing though is I probably won't be able to get to Wind and Truth until early 2025 so I still have time so no need to rush :)
Royal Assassin is one of my favourite books of all time. The Realm of the Elderlings has some ups and downs, but let me tell you John, you are in for the treat of your life. It is an incredible journey and I can't wait to hear your thoughts as you go through it!
I’m so happy you enjoyed Rob J. Hayes and am glad you plan to continue with the series. I haven’t started it yet but plan to soon. I have read several of his books this year and he has became one of my favorites. I really think you would enjoy the Never Die novel as well.
Boy I would not be able to pick a book of the year. In the order I read them: Trouble With Peace, Ship of Magic, Lions of Al-Rassan & Glorious Exploits…all 5 stars w/enthusiasm!! Most of all my other reads were 4 stars, including Fool’s Hope & Lord of a Shattered Land. Fool’s Errand is 4 & 1/2 stars, my most recent Fitz book, you will ❤ it! Got to save “5” for the best of the best!!
Dang. This month was one banger after another for you. Glad the birthday month was special! My favorite read from this month was Shadow of the Gods. Looking forward to finishing the bloodsworn trilogy in the next month or two.
Glad you had a wonderful birthday month of 5star reads! I'm looking forward to reading Justice of Kings and you've sold me on starting Farseer. Just today,i finished the final book in Joe Abercrombie's First Law universe and holy moly, what a ride. 207 hours of audiobooks with the incomparable Steven Pacey narrating as i followed along in my Kindle. I've spent so long in this world, and it's over for now, so it's the bitterest of bittersweet feelings.
I felt the same way after Wisdom of Crowds, will anything be a good as First Law? I might have dnf’d 5 books right after that. However, you will find the magic again trust me! Pick up Hobb, Liveship did it for me! You will enjoy Farseer before that.
I felt the same way after Wisdom of Crowds, will anything be a good as First Law? I might have dnf’d 5 books right after that. However, you will find the magic again trust me! Pick up Hobb, Liveship did it for me! You will enjoy Farseer before that.
What an incredible month of reading! I read Assassin's Apprentice earlier in the year but haven't moved on to book two yet. I'm hoping to get back into the series soon, and I'm glad to hear how much you loved it! My September reading was mostly for school, so Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea have been my main focus, which are both great, but I also wrapped up The Silverblood Promise by James Logan, which is a debut fantasy I'd highly recommend! Super fun adventure story!
Beautiful reading of Chade’s line from Royal Assassin! That line makes me think of my own brother and where we might be in our relationship 20-50 years from now. I read Royal Assassin earlier this year and it’s tied with Tigana for my book of the year so far. I’ve been reading Of War and Ruin since August and I’ve been enjoying it, especially when I allow myself to sit with the characters. It’s not quite hitting the highs of Royal Assassin though.
I have no idea how you read this much John! If I didn’t have audiobooks I’d read maybe two books a month!! 😂 I’ve been reading through the deeper Dune series and so Children of Dune was my favorite new read last month and God Emperor of Dune is my first read (40% through) this month!! Really enjoying the weird so far!!! Love weird scifi
I'm glad you liked Yumi. It might be my favorite standalone book and I've always liked the way you talked about Sanderson, so hearing your thoughts was nice.
My book of the month for September was a John Rec! I absolutely loved Wickwire Watch. More people should be talking about it. Just started Spider Key this morning too and I hope it's going to live up to my now sky-high expectations!
Once again, I am so envious of you just now discovering Robin Hobb!!! She is so special!!! I re-read Ringworld and Komar for my classic Sci-fi, read House of Harkonnen ( let me down with some characters being evil for evil's sake, almost a caricature), The End of All Things, and Odyssey for my after 2000's Sci-fi, and another couple of Fantasy re-reads , War of the Twins from the Dragonlance Legends, am Words of Radiance and Edgedancer in preparation for the new book coming out😊. Also in Fantasy New to me, I read Court of Assassins, Dragonfly Falling, a LitRPG BuyMort: Grand Opening: How I Became the Accidental Warlord of Arizona ( a cool concept!), and a mystery, which was very pleasant, The Thursday Murder Club ( Murder She Wrote meets Miss Maple). I think Kommar was my coziest read of the month, and the best of its genre was definitely the Sanderson's book...
I want Jakob to come setup my lighting :D Although I'm guessing that using a real camera instead of my Elgato Facecam would help too :D Congratulations on BookTube's first Month of Books of the Month 😅
Let me know how it hits for you if you jump back in. I totally understand stories don’t work for all of us and those differences will always be celebrated here.
@@Talking_Story I will. I want to give it a fair shot. I've been listening to an audiobook while at work, but I am beginning to think its the narrator. So, I'm going to buy a physical copy and let my inner voice take over. Thank you for your time.
Wow what a fantastic month of reading for you!! My Ryan Cahill journey starts in January and I’m stoked to start. Assassins apprentice may be moved up to November or December as well. I’m losing my mind on what I want to read!! 🤯😂
Amazing brother! I absolutely LOVE hearing you read and seeing your passion and how a book touched you. Good stuff, my friend! All spooky stuff this month, starting Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman! Definitely need to get to Hobb asap!
Hey John! I've been loving the videos recently and you have added so many books to my tbr! I find myself wanting to read the books you did so I can relate more. I also really wanted to comment about your NICA shirt! Love to see a fellow cyclist in the wild, I was in North Carolina this summer for some mountain biking!
@@DecidedPanda hey biker friend! My wife was asst coach of our local mountain bike team a season ago so I scored this shirt. Not saying I have not got my bike out on the trails I have but I find myself preferring gravel rides lately. Thanks so much for the kind words about the channel by the way. Made my week!
@@Talking_Story Love to hear it! Personally have not ventured into gravel riding too much, more just road and mountain. Always in between the next book we're reading right? And of course, you and Jakob have got something special here!
@@DecidedPanda oh you are most kind thanks so much for that. I do a lot of road as well I just do it on my gravel bike. Good thing I am not trying to break any speed records 😀
Man, too many good books out there! I don't have room to move anything up at the moment though lol. I am planning on reading Royal Assassin at the end of October and Book 3 in November! That's locked in!
Sounds like you had a productive reading month uncle, I myself also managed to complete some books in September, more than I had initially thought to be honest with you. The books I completed included The City & The City (a rare re-read), Hyperion, The Return to Edan, and Dreamer, Awake! I had some other books I wanted to get to, but it'll have to wait til November. It's spoopy time baby! I'm starting my October horror readathon. I'm starting it out with Outer Dark and In The Valley of The Sun and I can't wait to get started. I also hope to get to Speaks The Nightbird this month, I'll be sure and let you know when I get to it. Keep up the good work boys!
I'm so glad that you are connecting so deeply with Realm of the Elderlings already! Except for my re-read of Ship of Destiny, my favorite reads of the books were The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany, The Long Valley by John Steinbeck, and Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind (because I can't choose between the three).
As always I’m so excited to continue Farseer-I already have ideas of where Hobb is going with the Fool through book 1 and it’s so exciting as I go through to pick those things up. OWaR is great so far and ~400 pages in my thoughts are echoing your. So many more characters feel more engaging
Also absolutely wild how many you got through this month 😂😂 I wish I could pull something like that off. That’s about as good as a birthday month could be
Great Video Guys! I love watching your dynamic with each other and hearing about so many wonderful books. In September I finished Jade War by Fonda Lee, The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, and have been working through book 3 of Dungeon Crawler Carl. Comics-wise, I read the 2 latest issues of Saga by Vaughan and Staples, 2 new issues of Geiger by Johns and Frank, and the new issue of Rook Exodus by Johns and Fabok. I am also working through a reread of my trades of Scalped by Aaron and Guera. John I was curious if you read single issues or tend to wait until they are released in collected edition. Thank you so much for your videos!!!
Wow what a month! I do read single issues cause I can't imagine a day when I don't have a sub box. But I wait till an arc is complete then I tear through 6 issues of 12 or whatever that arc may be.
What an amazing reading month! That’s awesome. I finished Words of Radiance this month which was good. It has made me curious to read Edgedancer. But I my book of the month was Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I’m a character first reader, and Bel Canto was an absolutely wonderful character study of a large group of individuals. It’s one of those books that I’ll think about for a long time to come.
@@veronicaprice I hear great things about your book of the month. Patchett is definitely someone I want to try someday. I hope Edgedance hits better for you than me. It was not 1 of my fav Cosmere reads.
@@Talking_Story I was honestly thinking of skipping it, but Lift’s Interlude chapters made me laugh. And I don’t want to take anything away from Oathbringer once I get there. I’m really looking forward to that one.
So many good reads! I've been eyeing Yumi and Sunlit Man, but Brando pus out so many books it's difficult to catch up. BTW, I didn't know that Godeater: Demon was so smol. That's novella sized! I may jump into the series, though. Happy reading for October!
@@liviajelliot all 3 are book ones of trilogies. But all 3 book 1s tell Dien’s story. Then all 3 book 2s will focus on another character as I understand it.
The Justice of Kings literally sounds like it was written for me, haha. I adore inspector Javert as one example. I love characters whose entire worldview is centered on one singular thing, and I love seeing that cracked and challenged. So I would probably love that book, so thank you! =)
@@subjectiveexperiences1072 you have to let me know your thoughts when you pick it up. It would seriously would’ve been a book of the month contender most months.
@Talking_Story Will do! Also side note, I love how much you bring in your acting experience when you read excerpts from books. Were you conscious of doing a slight accent for the second one? Haha.
People, for a good chuckle, turn the speed down to 50% or 25% around 45:15, once the "tingle talk" comes up - the Mentons sound _so_ inebriated, especially John wanting to be everyone's bosom buddy with _"the faaacts jaaack"._ 😝Hehaw, now _that_ gives me a tingle! I think going to do this everytime! 😆
My reading this month has pretty well revolved around the reading event known as "Cimmerian September" - Conan the Cimmerian. Just a shot in the dark, but you seem like the sort of chad who's acquainted with the beloved barbarian, if not the original works of Robert Howard, which I'm slowly milking my way through and loving it. So I read Howard's the Devil in Iron, which is full of interesting ideas and parts, if one of his less polished or cohesive stories. However, the theme this month was actually pastiche Conan, so I read the 2019 Jason Aaron comic "the Life and Death of Conan", which I happened to find cheep in early September. By Crom, this was satisfying! It works great as an anthology of new stories throughout his life, they also add up to an overarching plot toward the end of King Conan's life, which works even better. In fact this would be great as a last chapter of the Conan story - that's what it feels like it's going for - though I don't know much of what else is out there/will yet be written. I've only read a third of Howard's originals, but I feel this one had much respect to the lore & tone - plus gibbering Lovecraftian nasties - other details I'm not sure if Howard put in there or if it was Marvel. I'm sure will read this again more then once. The art by ahumud Asrar is sweet and raw also. And now I'm just finishing John C. Hocking's "Conan and the Emerald Lotus", which has a good rep as a pastiche, and I think it deserves it. Perhaps there's not much depth in this one, but it is a ripping good yarn that paints the world well, which can suffice with Conan. We'll see how it ends, the party's going deep into Stygia and I just got a thrilling reference to a certain name Lovecraft readers will know. This came out in the 90's, it became quite rare, but it just got republished bound up with a sequel he wasn't able to publish until know. I may have to wait a little to read the sequel though, it's Spooky season and I want to get started on 1400 pages of "the Stand", my fifth Stephen King, who I'm thinking deserves the name.
I am acquainted with Conan and fellow Texan Mr Howard but I would love to read more of it. So I loved this report full of things to look up. I hope you enjoy The Stand as much as I did.
@@Talking_Story The recent publications by Titan comics have been stellar thus far also. They're also making new Savage Sword of Conan in magazine form, which I can't speak to but It sounds like it's more of a mixed bag - but the mainline series is great. There's lots of unexpurgated Howard available now between Del Ray (with great illustrations) and Robert E. Foundation Press (just got his complete poetry from there).
I've been wanting to start reading the Realm of the Elderlings series, but I was hoping to finish Legend of the Galactic Heroes and Wheel of Time first. Assassin's Apprentice on audio will take about twenty-six weeks to become available at the library, so at least a few people must agree with you, John! 😄 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 just finished reading my first Conn Iggulden book, "Genghis: Birth of an Empire." It was a great adventure book that I enjoyed. The writing was good and the characters were 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. I recently 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. I just finished reading "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 just 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!
@@Fianna1775 I love these catch ups. Your lists are so eclectic and I love the way you include where you are and a bit of your life. Also I always walk away with at least a few titles to look up. I hope the teaching and exam come out great! Have a wonderful and safe time while you travel.
As it should be - the Queen reigns. Next book may be your favourite, it may not be. But what I can promise are FEELINGS. (Which isnt a spoiler - cause there are always feelings).
I always love hearing you read excerpts from books. Getting to see you stretch those theater muscles is fun to listen to. Do you read with voices like that when you’re reading silently to yourself?
My book of the month would have to be Kingdoms of Death by Christopher Ruocchio. This book broke me. Honourable mentions to The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne and The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan, both of which were also absolutely amazing.
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). Currently I am finishing up «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!😄
Happy Belated Birthday - what a fabulous reading month. How will you ever choose book of the year . I hope you like The Historian in October. I read it when it first came out and I still think about it sometimes.
My month: Midnights Children - phenomenal read. Slower in third part and not as much of a fan of the ending but first two parts were incredible. Amazing, crass, disturbing, heartwarming and heartbreaking. Tales of the Sun Eater 1 - Glad i did this before demon in white, great collection, not everything hit for me but i enjoyed it mostly and didnt dislike any of it! Of mice and men - wow, best novella/short story ive gone through. Just beating out wilful princess and piebald prince or tieing with it. A masterclass in foreshadowing and theme work. Demon in white - woah, my fav sun eater thus far, im bracing myself for the horrors to come but wow, 3rd best book this year and may solidify in my top 10 books of all time! The poems and songs of robert burns - good to go back to some of these and to hear some that ive not heard before. My man jeeves - id watched some of the show in my youth but interesting to see near the beginning of wodehouse’s creation as id never read him before - a rollicking good time what ho! Simply corking! Alls well that ends well - i know i should be watching these but im listening to them being performed, it was ok, better than midsummernights dream, i think ill prefer shakespeare’s tragedies to his comedies though.
Hobb for the win! 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. On Pause for now: *Historical-Fantasy* A Song for Arbonne / Guy Gavriel Kay - So far, it's not shaping up to be one of my favourite Kay works. It's fine. Granted, I'm only a third in. I think after Stone of Farewell I'm just gonna jump to Kay's River of Stars instead.
Sounds like a good month! Feel like Farseer willl need to be moved up my list a bit... Godeater and Justice of kings sound great too. September for me was Prince of thorns, Half a king by Joe Abercrombie, The Pariah by Anthony Ryan and just yesterday i finished Kingdoms of death. Ooh boy that was a book. Next up is Tress of the emerald sea and at least the next book in a couple of those series before Fury of the gods comes out 🙌
I'm gonna be concerned if it's the first video of 2025 and you're still going "Guys, we are getting SO close to Dragonsteel!" What a month of reading for you, for so many of them to end with "any other month..." but there was no real choice as to the book of the month, huh 😂 And I love how you read excerpts to us. Storytime with John when? You know what I read in September already, since I've been incapable of shutting up about it. David Mitchell ended both my summer-long reading slump and any prior idea I might have had for an end of year TBR. And Justice of Kings was excellent; I'm looking forward to seeing how the ramifications introduced in this book play out in the later ones. As for nonfiction, I've been reading some Thich Nhat Hanh books for the first time in some years, which has felt like a hug in book form. And uh, yeah, book of the month was Cloud Atlas. _Heavy_ contender for book of the year.
It was a slow month for me. I reread A Storm of Swords this month and it was excellent, of course, but I only read that and The Road by Cormac Mccarthy. This was my first time reading The Road and I was a little let down by it. The hype around this book is crazy and while I appreciate it for its artistry, I found it to be a little bit bland for me. Maybe it's because of the tirade of other stories that I've experienced with the Father/Child dynamic travelling through a world that made me enjoy this less. Either way, it has to be my book of the month as rereads don't count! I'm glad you enjoyed Royal Assassin so much. It's excellent. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so I'll just say this: the ending made me cry, but it doesn't hold a candle to the kind of tears I got from later in the series. Prepare yourself, John! Stock up on tissues while you still have the time.
@@maxt5319 I am Absolutely laying in the tissues. I can already tell as I go on things gonna wreck me! Sorry your book of the month did not hit you as hard as that read does for others. Beautiful that we are all different though. I love how these stories hit us as individuals.
@@Talking_Story absolutely, story affects us all so differently. Even your experience of Farseer has been very different from mine, but we appreciate it all the same, and that's a beautiful thing. :)
I've read only 3 books this month, but all of them were awesome. I've read Royal Assassin, Howling Dark and The Empire of the Damned. My BOTM is Howling Dark. It floured me. I've read it in 3 days and it was EPIC. I agree with you about Royal Assassin, This book is so special, so unique, so great BUT I didn't enjoy it like Howling Dark. And the Empire of the Damned was a great book and is soo much better then the first one. Do you think that Royall Assassin will become your book of the year? Also did you read Lion's of Al-rassan by GGK? What were your thoughts about it?
@@makarivannikov1068 I cannot even start the internal battle that will include hair pulling for book of the year. Suneater is amazing! The Empire series is great as well! We both had amazing reading months. Thanks so much for sharing your with me.
Realm of the Elderlings is something special. I'm picking up Mad Ship as soon as I finish Blood Stones. Have you already read the data I gathered to Jakob, or are you planning to do that in a video? I don't care either way. Just wondering 😂.
@@Talking_Story I'm very sorry, but I don't have a Twitter account. Is there any other way to make it easier? Maybe you could take a screenshot of my comment on your phone and read them off there?
@@KALtheLostie108 got it. can you resend them and I will screen shot them right away so I can have them? sorry to ask you to send again I should have thought to screen shot the first time.
@@Talking_Story Sure, no problem. "As for the Tingle, let's put it this way: If even one person feels the Tingle, then it is real for that person and must be considered 'real,' or at the very least we must acknowledge the possibility of this reality." - Dr. Philip Chase "The Tingle is REAL!!!!" - Andrew's Wizardly Reads "I love innuendos hehe so I'm gonna go Team Tingle." - Wera "Since I gave him the moniker of 'Captain Tingle', one would think that I'd say unabashedly 'yes'. However, Captain Tingle might be using his powers of suggestion to create the Tingle mentally, more so then a physical result of subscribing. So the jury is a little out on the causality of the source of the Tingle." - Brian Bell
Woooo so happy you loved Yumi as much as I did! It worked like a charm for me 😊
Dude. Dude. You don’t realize what you’re in for with the rest of Realm of the Elderlings. It’s too good. You have me so pumped to read the original Farseer trilogy now 💪
@@BooksWithBenghisKahn this is 1 of those special series!
I appreciate your reading of Hobb’s work 🙏🏽, not only for the nice prose but also the fantastic reading itself! The voice and emphasis, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to just that small piece after a long day
Oh thank you. Those kind words mean so much to me I just can’t tell you how much
I’m so glad that Robin Hobb is speaking to you that deeply. I can’t wait to relive this special journey vicariously through you. As for me, my book of the month was World Without End by Ken Follett. Incredible and more than worthy sequel to The Pillars of the Earth, which is one of my favorite books of all-time now!
@@fantasyfanatic6038 I gotta start my Follett reads. Pillars is on the stack.
The whole series is totally worth it!
lol I KNEW Royal Assassin was gonna be your book of the month
@@AndrewsWizardlyReads you got those Wizard smarts😀
It's going to be amazing to watch your Realm of the Elderlings journey, John. Also, wonderful to hear your thoughts once again on Ordinary Grace. Such a tragic yet beautiful story!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy thanks Dr Chase. Can’t wait for the next meeting of the esteemed Quilluminatti!
Spectacular month! I'm glad you're finally enjoying Robin Hobb, you're in for such a ride with her books!
@@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels can’t wait!!
You’re killing it, John! Thanks for another great video 😄
Thanks you so much!
John, I have been reading RoTE for over 25 years now (again and again), and your description of what it is about, is BY FAR the best I have ever heard or read. Thank you so much for framing so precisely and emotionally the best literature I have ever read, that deeply impacted my life. Truly masterful.
You are very kind. Fair to say I have just started my journey and I feel it has impacted mine as well and I am so thrilled to share this story with you.
So many amazing reads in September, wow!! Always love to hear you read out loud on the channel too :)
@@NerdLevelRising thanks so much my friend.
I want you to read all my favorite books just so I could hear you gush about them (assuming you’d like them) 😂. Wonderful wrap-up!
Ahhh thanks Johanna. You are the kindest!
I DEFINITELY packed my month with 5 star reads, 4 of them!
That is awesome Chris!
My five star reads for the month are Junkyard, Dogs, Hell is Empty, and As the Crow Flies by Craig Johnson. Also, Age of the King by Philip C, Quaintrell, Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurtz , Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett, and Perelandra by C.S Lewis.
I’m addicted to the Longmire mysteries at the moment as I love all the characters and the relationships and sense of family that exists between them. I loved the Realm of the Eldering series for the same reason. I’m glad you are enjoying Mrs. Hobb. She is a wonderful storyteller!
Oh she so is. I am off to look up some of these other 5 star reads and thanks for the smile tonight. My Mom was a huge Longmire fan.
Boy, what a wonderful month of reading!😊
Love to hear that you had such a spectacular birthday reading month! The fact that you are already such a Hobb fanboy at this point is making me extremely excited for you to discover the gold that is yet to come in the rest of the series!
And HECK YES for Demon, I told you it was messed up and dark hahah. Along the Razor's Edge and The Heresy Within are two faves of mine by him as well!
My standouts of September were Hell of a Witch by Rachel Aaron, Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan, Of Love and Loss by BSH Garcia and I was also pleasantly surprised by my first read of Dracula! Was a fun month :)
@@esmayrosalyne so glad you seemed to have a great reading month as well Esmay. I can’t wait to see what Hobb has in store for me.
I'm about 200 pages into of War and Ruin. Everyone please read this series! It just gets better and better! If Mr. Cahill keeps going on this upward trajectory he will be mentioned with the TITANS OF FANTASY.
@@bradschwartz9084 he is already making his way onto some fav lists
Just finished Oathbringer this week! WOWOWOWOWOW! Loved it! Currently about halfway through Iron Gold. A good change of pace. But definitely struggling with the pace haha I’m sure it will pick up at the end!
It does pick up. Dalinar is my guy!!!
Wow! Sounds like you had an amazing month! Happy for you. 😄Also thanks for convincing me to read Justice of Kings, that was wonderful journey and love the necromancy!
@@emzstern bring on book 2 for that series! I hope soon.
@@Talking_Story Yeah! Me too hopefully I can squeeze it in between Stormlight books but that's gonna be tight!
@@emzstern the books take some tiiiiiiime!
@@Talking_Story Yes indeed... I need at least 2 months for the first 4. One good thing though is I probably won't be able to get to Wind and Truth until early 2025 so I still have time so no need to rush :)
Finishing up The Blade Itself this week and hopefully finishing up the First Law by end of October
@@Lycan3303 I hope you enjoy that world as much as I do!
I’m on book 3 right now! You’re in for a journey!
You’ve got to be realistic.
@@TheNerdLounge always!
I just finished the last book of the second trilogy, and you are so lucky.
I wish I could burn it from my brain and read it again for the first time
@@UncleFenris I am lucky this catch up coming back after being away allows me to go from amazing read to the next!
Royal Assassin is one of my favourite books of all time. The Realm of the Elderlings has some ups and downs, but let me tell you John, you are in for the treat of your life. It is an incredible journey and I can't wait to hear your thoughts as you go through it!
@@ZOMGfantasy I am so excited to continue!
Every time I hear you talk about Robin Hobb it makes me want to start reading them sooner than I planned.
@@TomOrange doooo it!!
I already can't wait to get into The Realm of the Elderlings, John! You don't need to sell me any more! Lol. Love it, though. Keep it up!
You gotta dive in!
W0rldtr33 is something I will definitely read. Thanks for the recommendation!
Awesome let me know what you think!
Just finished The Will of The Many John and it blew my hair back I felt the tingle. High recommendation from me one of the best reads of the year.
@@JohnfromNY89 I have that 1 on the stack I hope
To get to it soon!
I’m so happy you enjoyed Rob J. Hayes and am glad you plan to continue with the series. I haven’t started it yet but plan to soon. I have read several of his books this year and he has became one of my favorites. I really think you would enjoy the Never Die novel as well.
@@WesTyson I will add that to the list!
Another great video fellas! Loved your video with 2 to ramble!
Oh thanks so much. Those guys are awesome. Cannot wait to meet up with them at Dragonsteel!
Boy I would not be able to pick a book of the year. In the order I read them: Trouble With Peace, Ship of Magic, Lions of Al-Rassan & Glorious Exploits…all 5 stars w/enthusiasm!!
Most of all my other reads were 4 stars, including Fool’s Hope & Lord of a Shattered Land.
Fool’s Errand is 4 & 1/2 stars, my most recent Fitz book, you will ❤ it! Got to save “5” for the best of the best!!
I feel yo about saving them. I am gonna have such a fight with myself for read of '24!
Dang. This month was one banger after another for you. Glad the birthday month was special! My favorite read from this month was Shadow of the Gods. Looking forward to finishing the bloodsworn trilogy in the next month or two.
Can’t wait to get into Papa Gwynne.
Glad you had a wonderful birthday month of 5star reads! I'm looking forward to reading Justice of Kings and you've sold me on starting Farseer.
Just today,i finished the final book in Joe Abercrombie's First Law universe and holy moly, what a ride. 207 hours of audiobooks with the incomparable Steven Pacey narrating as i followed along in my Kindle. I've spent so long in this world, and it's over for now, so it's the bitterest of bittersweet feelings.
I felt the same way after Wisdom of Crowds, will anything be a good as First Law? I might have dnf’d 5 books right after that. However, you will find the magic again trust me! Pick up Hobb, Liveship did it for me! You will enjoy Farseer before that.
I felt the same way after Wisdom of Crowds, will anything be a good as First Law? I might have dnf’d 5 books right after that. However, you will find the magic again trust me! Pick up Hobb, Liveship did it for me! You will enjoy Farseer before that.
What a world!! I totally get it. I will be a touch sad when I finish as well. But I look forward to see what he has in store for us with The Devils.
I am hearing so much about Robin Hobb that i had to go out and find the first 3 books and make my TBR that much longer.
Oh I think you will appreciate those additions!
What an incredible month of reading! I read Assassin's Apprentice earlier in the year but haven't moved on to book two yet. I'm hoping to get back into the series soon, and I'm glad to hear how much you loved it! My September reading was mostly for school, so Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea have been my main focus, which are both great, but I also wrapped up The Silverblood Promise by James Logan, which is a debut fantasy I'd highly recommend! Super fun adventure story!
I read SilverBlood Promise and so agree it is a strong contender for my debut of the year!
Beautiful reading of Chade’s line from Royal Assassin! That line makes me think of my own brother and where we might be in our relationship 20-50 years from now. I read Royal Assassin earlier this year and it’s tied with Tigana for my book of the year so far.
I’ve been reading Of War and Ruin since August and I’ve been enjoying it, especially when I allow myself to sit with the characters. It’s not quite hitting the highs of Royal Assassin though.
It is a very nice step and I am so enjoying that series but I could not rate it with Hobb IMO either.
I have no idea how you read this much John! If I didn’t have audiobooks I’d read maybe two books a month!! 😂
I’ve been reading through the deeper Dune series and so Children of Dune was my favorite new read last month and God Emperor of Dune is my first read (40% through) this month!! Really enjoying the weird so far!!! Love weird scifi
No doubt that is some wonderful weirdness! I shoot for 100 pages a day and let the chips fall.
I'm glad you liked Yumi. It might be my favorite standalone book and I've always liked the way you talked about Sanderson, so hearing your thoughts was nice.
@@ericF-17 thanks so much for that I really appreciate it
So so happy you’ve enjoyed RoTE as much as you have so far
@@goonerquinn4670 oh I am blown away!
My september was great too. I read It, Malice, Berserk Vol 1, Earth Abides, and Open Season by CJ Box.
@@matthewmckinnon9298 very nice!!
My book of the month for September was a John Rec! I absolutely loved Wickwire Watch. More people should be talking about it. Just started Spider Key this morning too and I hope it's going to live up to my now sky-high expectations!
@@dalicieux oh look out for that cliffhanger! So glad it hit for you. I am picking up book 3 this month.
Once again, I am so envious of you just now discovering Robin Hobb!!! She is so special!!!
I re-read Ringworld and Komar for my classic Sci-fi, read House of Harkonnen ( let me down with some characters being evil for evil's sake, almost a caricature), The End of All Things, and Odyssey for my after 2000's Sci-fi, and another couple of Fantasy re-reads , War of the Twins from the Dragonlance Legends, am Words of Radiance and Edgedancer in preparation for the new book coming out😊. Also in Fantasy New to me, I read Court of Assassins, Dragonfly Falling, a LitRPG BuyMort: Grand Opening: How I Became the Accidental Warlord of Arizona ( a cool concept!), and a mystery, which was very pleasant, The Thursday Murder Club ( Murder She Wrote meets Miss Maple). I think Kommar was my coziest read of the month, and the best of its genre was definitely the Sanderson's book...
Wow what a month. It is amazing that I have found Hobb at this stage of life she is really speaking to me.
Quite a stacked month but of course Queen Hobb reigns!
@@Kellen81 yes she does!
I want Jakob to come setup my lighting :D Although I'm guessing that using a real camera instead of my Elgato Facecam would help too :D Congratulations on BookTube's first Month of Books of the Month 😅
@@gryftkin Jakob is ready to be hired out 😂
Wow, just Wow. Okay, I was having doubts about continuing with the Farseer books. Now, I have to. Good show, such passion.
Let me know how it hits for you if you jump back in. I totally understand stories don’t work for all of us and those differences will always be celebrated here.
@@Talking_Story I will. I want to give it a fair shot. I've been listening to an audiobook while at work, but I am beginning to think its the narrator. So, I'm going to buy a physical copy and let my inner voice take over. Thank you for your time.
@@kcsubotai sometimes that inner narrator is the way to go!
Wow what a fantastic month of reading for you!! My Ryan Cahill journey starts in January and I’m stoked to start. Assassins apprentice may be moved up to November or December as well. I’m losing my mind on what I want to read!! 🤯😂
@@RowdyPlayer1 so many amazing books!!
Amazing brother! I absolutely LOVE hearing you read and seeing your passion and how a book touched you. Good stuff, my friend! All spooky stuff this month, starting Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman! Definitely need to get to Hobb asap!
@@TheBeardedBookBeast my brother you are gonna love Hobb
@@Talking_Story Oh man I can't wait!
Hello 🙋♂️ you have read a lot of books… happy September reads!! 😊
@@safinan8008 thanks so much. Yes it was a great month!
Hey John! I've been loving the videos recently and you have added so many books to my tbr! I find myself wanting to read the books you did so I can relate more. I also really wanted to comment about your NICA shirt! Love to see a fellow cyclist in the wild, I was in North Carolina this summer for some mountain biking!
@@DecidedPanda hey biker friend! My wife was asst coach of our local mountain bike team a season ago so I scored this shirt. Not saying I have not got my bike out on the trails I have but I find myself preferring gravel rides lately. Thanks so much for the kind words about the channel by the way. Made my week!
@@Talking_Story Love to hear it! Personally have not ventured into gravel riding too much, more just road and mountain. Always in between the next book we're reading right? And of course, you and Jakob have got something special here!
@@DecidedPanda oh you are most kind thanks so much for that. I do a lot of road as well I just do it on my gravel bike. Good thing I am not trying to break any speed records 😀
@@Talking_Story I can relate to that!. Not the fastest over here either lol
Man, too many good books out there! I don't have room to move anything up at the moment though lol.
I am planning on reading Royal Assassin at the end of October and Book 3 in November! That's locked in!
@@christhewritingjester3164 I hope I can stay on track with book 3 but I have serious doubts.
Really nice review of Royal Assassin John!
Thanks Nev that means a lot to me.
Sounds like you had a productive reading month uncle, I myself also managed to complete some books in September, more than I had initially thought to be honest with you. The books I completed included The City & The City (a rare re-read), Hyperion, The Return to Edan, and Dreamer, Awake! I had some other books I wanted to get to, but it'll have to wait til November.
It's spoopy time baby! I'm starting my October horror readathon. I'm starting it out with Outer Dark and In The Valley of The Sun and I can't wait to get started. I also hope to get to Speaks The Nightbird this month, I'll be sure and let you know when I get to it.
Keep up the good work boys!
Can't go wrong with Speaks the Nightbird or spooky season!
I'm so glad that you are connecting so deeply with Realm of the Elderlings already! Except for my re-read of Ship of Destiny, my favorite reads of the books were The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany, The Long Valley by John Steinbeck, and Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind (because I can't choose between the three).
Lord Dunsany nice! Going way back with that 1.
@@Talking_Story I loved the novel, and his writing, so much, so I am looking forward to reading more of his works.
@@SheWasOnlyEvie that’s awesome.
As always I’m so excited to continue Farseer-I already have ideas of where Hobb is going with the Fool through book 1 and it’s so exciting as I go through to pick those things up. OWaR is great so far and ~400 pages in my thoughts are echoing your. So many more characters feel more engaging
Also absolutely wild how many you got through this month 😂😂 I wish I could pull something like that off. That’s about as good as a birthday month could be
@@Chance.Dillon dude this Bday was off the chart amazing!
Great Video Guys! I love watching your dynamic with each other and hearing about so many wonderful books. In September I finished Jade War by Fonda Lee, The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, and have been working through book 3 of Dungeon Crawler Carl. Comics-wise, I read the 2 latest issues of Saga by Vaughan and Staples, 2 new issues of Geiger by Johns and Frank, and the new issue of Rook Exodus by Johns and Fabok. I am also working through a reread of my trades of Scalped by Aaron and Guera. John I was curious if you read single issues or tend to wait until they are released in collected edition. Thank you so much for your videos!!!
Wow what a month! I do read single issues cause I can't imagine a day when I don't have a sub box. But I wait till an arc is complete then I tear through 6 issues of 12 or whatever that arc may be.
What an amazing reading month! That’s awesome. I finished Words of Radiance this month which was good. It has made me curious to read Edgedancer. But I my book of the month was Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. I’m a character first reader, and Bel Canto was an absolutely wonderful character study of a large group of individuals. It’s one of those books that I’ll think about for a long time to come.
@@veronicaprice I hear great things about your book of the month. Patchett is definitely someone I want to try someday. I hope Edgedance hits better for you than me. It was not 1 of my fav Cosmere reads.
@@Talking_Story I was honestly thinking of skipping it, but Lift’s Interlude chapters made me laugh. And I don’t want to take anything away from Oathbringer once I get there. I’m really looking forward to that one.
@@veronicaprice Oathbringer is my happy place. I hope you love it. OMG Dalinar’s back story!
Someone who loves Oathbringer as much as I did must mean youre also one of the most incredible people on earth. ;)
She does tug at the heart strings but it is worth it. Let me know when you get around to starting.
Dalinar is and will remain my guy!
Dalinar and Jasna!!!❤
@@chokog2446 yes!
So many good reads! I've been eyeing Yumi and Sunlit Man, but Brando pus out so many books it's difficult to catch up. BTW, I didn't know that Godeater: Demon was so smol. That's novella sized! I may jump into the series, though. Happy reading for October!
@@liviajelliot Demon and Deathless are both that size but the third 1 is a bit of a chonker.
@@Talking_Story Good to know! Isn't Herald from the other trilogy?
@@liviajelliot all 3 are book ones of trilogies. But all 3 book 1s tell Dien’s story. Then all 3 book 2s will focus on another character as I understand it.
I’m still stuck on Of War and Ruin and I love it so much!
@@Darth_Sepharious there is a lot to love there!
The Justice of Kings literally sounds like it was written for me, haha. I adore inspector Javert as one example. I love characters whose entire worldview is centered on one singular thing, and I love seeing that cracked and challenged. So I would probably love that book, so thank you! =)
@@subjectiveexperiences1072 you have to let me know your thoughts when you pick it up. It would seriously would’ve been a book of the month contender most months.
@Talking_Story Will do! Also side note, I love how much you bring in your acting experience when you read excerpts from books. Were you conscious of doing a slight accent for the second one? Haha.
@@subjectiveexperiences1072 I did not realize I did that 😂
@@Talking_Story That's funny xD
I think everyone but Jakob knew what your book of the month was going to be. 😂
no doubt. What he gets for missing those production meetings
Of War and Ruin... Book of the year for me. Incredible.
@@alexside_ it was really great!
People, for a good chuckle, turn the speed down to 50% or 25% around 45:15, once the "tingle talk" comes up - the Mentons sound _so_ inebriated, especially John wanting to be everyone's bosom buddy with _"the faaacts jaaack"._ 😝Hehaw, now _that_ gives me a tingle! I think going to do this everytime! 😆
I sound goofy enough without turning the speed down I sure 😂
My reading this month has pretty well revolved around the reading event known as "Cimmerian September" - Conan the Cimmerian. Just a shot in the dark, but you seem like the sort of chad who's acquainted with the beloved barbarian, if not the original works of Robert Howard, which I'm slowly milking my way through and loving it.
So I read Howard's the Devil in Iron, which is full of interesting ideas and parts, if one of his less polished or cohesive stories. However, the theme this month was actually pastiche Conan, so I read the 2019 Jason Aaron comic "the Life and Death of Conan", which I happened to find cheep in early September. By Crom, this was satisfying! It works great as an anthology of new stories throughout his life, they also add up to an overarching plot toward the end of King Conan's life, which works even better. In fact this would be great as a last chapter of the Conan story - that's what it feels like it's going for - though I don't know much of what else is out there/will yet be written. I've only read a third of Howard's originals, but I feel this one had much respect to the lore & tone - plus gibbering Lovecraftian nasties - other details I'm not sure if Howard put in there or if it was Marvel. I'm sure will read this again more then once. The art by ahumud Asrar is sweet and raw also.
And now I'm just finishing John C. Hocking's "Conan and the Emerald Lotus", which has a good rep as a pastiche, and I think it deserves it. Perhaps there's not much depth in this one, but it is a ripping good yarn that paints the world well, which can suffice with Conan. We'll see how it ends, the party's going deep into Stygia and I just got a thrilling reference to a certain name Lovecraft readers will know. This came out in the 90's, it became quite rare, but it just got republished bound up with a sequel he wasn't able to publish until know. I may have to wait a little to read the sequel though, it's Spooky season and I want to get started on 1400 pages of "the Stand", my fifth Stephen King, who I'm thinking deserves the name.
I am acquainted with Conan and fellow Texan Mr Howard but I would love to read more of it. So I loved this report full of things to look up. I hope you enjoy The Stand as much as I did.
@@Talking_Story The recent publications by Titan comics have been stellar thus far also. They're also making new Savage Sword of Conan in magazine form, which I can't speak to but It sounds like it's more of a mixed bag - but the mainline series is great.
There's lots of unexpurgated Howard available now between Del Ray (with great illustrations) and Robert E. Foundation Press (just got his complete poetry from there).
@@MagusMarquillin thanks I will check all that out!
I've been wanting to start reading the Realm of the Elderlings series, but I was hoping to finish Legend of the Galactic Heroes and Wheel of Time first. Assassin's Apprentice on audio will take about twenty-six weeks to become available at the library, so at least a few people must agree with you, John! 😄
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 just finished reading my first Conn Iggulden book, "Genghis: Birth of an Empire." It was a great adventure book that I enjoyed. The writing was good and the characters were 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.
I recently 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.
I just finished reading "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 just 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!
@@Fianna1775 I love these catch ups. Your lists are so eclectic and I love the way you include where you are and a bit of your life. Also I always walk away with at least a few titles to look up. I hope the teaching and exam come out great! Have a wonderful and safe time while you travel.
As it should be - the Queen reigns.
Next book may be your favourite, it may not be. But what I can promise are FEELINGS. (Which isnt a spoiler - cause there are always feelings).
Bring on those feelings I am ready for them...or maybe not
As much as I adore this trilogy, The Liverships is filled with even more "feelings"!!!
@@chokog2446 liveship is incredible. The last book’s finale in particular is just amazing and in my top 3 of that series.
@@chokog2446 I will be ready for it.
I always love hearing you read excerpts from books. Getting to see you stretch those theater muscles is fun to listen to. Do you read with voices like that when you’re reading silently to yourself?
I absolutely do
Well, now need to listen to Schism by Tool. Thanks for that John! You should probably listen on your favorite music service as well.😁
@@Cyriax71 heck yeah gonna fire up my dad bod workout list on Spotify right now!
My book of the month would have to be Kingdoms of Death by Christopher Ruocchio. This book broke me. Honourable mentions to The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne and The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan, both of which were also absolutely amazing.
Wow that’s a great month full of amazing reads!
@Talking_Story I just remembered I also read Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky, which was also exceptional. I had a very good reading month.
@@MsNikkyD I guess. I just watched Merphy talk about that 1. Sounds really good.
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). Currently I am finishing up «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!😄
@@MacScarfield you continue to leave me in the dust my friend 😂
Great video! I've read Assassin's Apprentice. Looking forward to Royal Assassin. How in the world do you read so many books per month? You rock dude!
@@scotth1042 I just try to stick to 100 pages a day. Don’t always make it
Safe to say you’ve sold me on Godeater
@@bardsandbooks you will love it!
Happy Belated Birthday - what a fabulous reading month. How will you ever choose book of the year . I hope you like The Historian in October. I read it when it first came out and I still think about it sometimes.
@@TheJellicle1 book of the year is gonna be a battle royale!
My month:
Midnights Children - phenomenal read. Slower in third part and not as much of a fan of the ending but first two parts were incredible. Amazing, crass, disturbing, heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Tales of the Sun Eater 1 - Glad i did this before demon in white, great collection, not everything hit for me but i enjoyed it mostly and didnt dislike any of it!
Of mice and men - wow, best novella/short story ive gone through. Just beating out wilful princess and piebald prince or tieing with it. A masterclass in foreshadowing and theme work.
Demon in white - woah, my fav sun eater thus far, im bracing myself for the horrors to come but wow, 3rd best book this year and may solidify in my top 10 books of all time!
The poems and songs of robert burns - good to go back to some of these and to hear some that ive not heard before.
My man jeeves - id watched some of the show in my youth but interesting to see near the beginning of wodehouse’s creation as id never read him before - a rollicking good time what ho! Simply corking!
Alls well that ends well - i know i should be watching these but im listening to them being performed, it was ok, better than midsummernights dream, i think ill prefer shakespeare’s tragedies to his comedies though.
OMG what a month you had! Tell me about the rabbits George. What a book!!!
Hobb for the win!
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.
On Pause for now:
*Historical-Fantasy*
A Song for Arbonne / Guy Gavriel Kay
- So far, it's not shaping up to be one of my favourite Kay works. It's fine. Granted, I'm only a third in. I think after Stone of Farewell I'm just gonna jump to Kay's River of Stars instead.
@@thatsci-firogue wow that’s 1 massive impressive list!
Queen Hobb. 👑
Long may she Reign!
Sounds like a good month! Feel like Farseer willl need to be moved up my list a bit... Godeater and Justice of kings sound great too.
September for me was Prince of thorns, Half a king by Joe Abercrombie, The Pariah by Anthony Ryan and just yesterday i finished Kingdoms of death. Ooh boy that was a book.
Next up is Tress of the emerald sea and at least the next book in a couple of those series before Fury of the gods comes out 🙌
@@mrgoodkat8448 wow you are hitting some good stuff as well. I really want to get in on the Papa Gwynne train asap.
@@Talking_Story The first book I read this year was Malice and I've read everything of his since. I loved the faithful and the fallen
@@mrgoodkat8448 I hear nothing but amazing things!
@@Talking_Story I must've read 30+ single issues of comics this month too and a few graphic novels, spread across multiple genres
@@mrgoodkat8448 heck yeah that is awesome! Let me know if you get into something awesome.
Jakob is a tingle atheist but is afraid to say it after reading the peer review article. Lol
Awwww he is coming around
I'm gonna be concerned if it's the first video of 2025 and you're still going "Guys, we are getting SO close to Dragonsteel!"
What a month of reading for you, for so many of them to end with "any other month..." but there was no real choice as to the book of the month, huh 😂 And I love how you read excerpts to us. Storytime with John when?
You know what I read in September already, since I've been incapable of shutting up about it. David Mitchell ended both my summer-long reading slump and any prior idea I might have had for an end of year TBR. And Justice of Kings was excellent; I'm looking forward to seeing how the ramifications introduced in this book play out in the later ones. As for nonfiction, I've been reading some Thich Nhat Hanh books for the first time in some years, which has felt like a hug in book form.
And uh, yeah, book of the month was Cloud Atlas. _Heavy_ contender for book of the year.
Yes that is music to my ears. I promise no Dragonsteel in to next year. Your Mitchell journey has mad Amy and I soooo happy!
I'm changing my channel to focus entirely on stone masonry.
@@BrianBell7 😂😂not sure where I was going with that tangent. I think I need a meaner producer.
@@Talking_Story I'd respond, but I'm in the backyard smashing the stone into a statue of Nighteyes.
@@BrianBell7 😂😂😂
It was a slow month for me. I reread A Storm of Swords this month and it was excellent, of course, but I only read that and The Road by Cormac Mccarthy. This was my first time reading The Road and I was a little let down by it. The hype around this book is crazy and while I appreciate it for its artistry, I found it to be a little bit bland for me. Maybe it's because of the tirade of other stories that I've experienced with the Father/Child dynamic travelling through a world that made me enjoy this less. Either way, it has to be my book of the month as rereads don't count!
I'm glad you enjoyed Royal Assassin so much. It's excellent. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so I'll just say this: the ending made me cry, but it doesn't hold a candle to the kind of tears I got from later in the series. Prepare yourself, John! Stock up on tissues while you still have the time.
@@maxt5319 I am
Absolutely laying in the tissues. I can already tell as I go on things gonna wreck me! Sorry your book of the month did not hit you as hard as that read does for others. Beautiful that we are all different though. I love how these stories hit us as individuals.
@@Talking_Story absolutely, story affects us all so differently. Even your experience of Farseer has been very different from mine, but we appreciate it all the same, and that's a beautiful thing. :)
@@maxt5319 could t have said better my friend! Thanks so much.
I've read only 3 books this month, but all of them were awesome. I've read Royal Assassin, Howling Dark and The Empire of the Damned. My BOTM is Howling Dark. It floured me. I've read it in 3 days and it was EPIC. I agree with you about Royal Assassin, This book is so special, so unique, so great BUT I didn't enjoy it like Howling Dark. And the Empire of the Damned was a great book and is soo much better then the first one. Do you think that Royall Assassin will become your book of the year? Also did you read Lion's of Al-rassan by GGK? What were your thoughts about it?
@@makarivannikov1068 I cannot even start the internal battle that will include hair pulling for book of the year. Suneater is amazing! The Empire series is great as well! We both had amazing reading months. Thanks so much for sharing your with me.
31:48 Sold
Yes!
Realm of the Elderlings is something special. I'm picking up Mad Ship as soon as I finish Blood Stones.
Have you already read the data I gathered to Jakob, or are you planning to do that in a video? I don't care either way. Just wondering 😂.
I want to read them on camera Sunday is it possible for you to send them to me in a DM to me on Twitter so I can pull them up easy?
@@Talking_Story I'm very sorry, but I don't have a Twitter account. Is there any other way to make it easier? Maybe you could take a screenshot of my comment on your phone and read them off there?
@@KALtheLostie108 got it. can you resend them and I will screen shot them right away so I can have them? sorry to ask you to send again I should have thought to screen shot the first time.
@@Talking_Story Sure, no problem.
"As for the Tingle, let's put it this way: If even one person feels the Tingle, then it is real for that person and must be considered 'real,' or at the very least we must acknowledge the possibility of this reality." - Dr. Philip Chase
"The Tingle is REAL!!!!" - Andrew's Wizardly Reads
"I love innuendos hehe so I'm gonna go Team Tingle." - Wera
"Since I gave him the moniker of 'Captain Tingle', one would think that I'd say unabashedly 'yes'. However, Captain Tingle might be using his powers of suggestion to create the Tingle mentally, more so then a physical result of subscribing. So the jury is a little out on the causality of the source of the Tingle." - Brian Bell
@@KALtheLostie108 wonderful screen shot and printed for ease of my old man eyes!