What Are You Reading, Part 2

[Treamayne]

12 hours ago, Through the Living Hopper said:

Over spring break, I got into the Alex Cross series from James Patterson.

Along Came a Spider 

Okay, pretty mild compared to the others.

Kiss the Girls

I felt like I was losing a bit of morality with this one, but interesting story.

Jack and Jill

Strong opening, did go downhill.

Cat and Mouse

Not the most memorable story, but not bad either.

Pop Goes the Weasel

Again, not the most memorable story, but pretty good. It does stray into the courtroom, which I can tell isn't Patterson's strongest suit. 

Roses are Red and Violets are Blue

These two together were probably my favorite. They were interesting but didn't make me fear for my life that much.

Four Blind Mice

Okay.

Currently reading: Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson 

I loved the Alex Cross series, at least the first dozen or so. I think the last one I read was Cross My Heart (book 21) but I may have missed a few between Double Cross and that one 

[aneonfoxtribute]

I finished Volume 31 of ReZero. This series is awesome lmao. As the strongest existence, Natsuki Subaru will trample upon all his foes!

[Through the Living Hopper He/Him]

1 hour ago, Treamayne said:

I loved the Alex Cross series, at least the first dozen or so. I think the last one I read was Cross My Heart (book 21) but I may have missed a few between Double Cross and that one 

The series as a whole is pretty great, especially with how many there are. They all have a similar story: mystery, make-out session, mystery, then at about 85% they capture the guy except it's the WRONG GUY, then they catch him. 

They are all very entertaining, though, and there is genuine suspense. Are any of his other books any good?

[Treamayne]

3 minutes ago, Through the Living Hopper said:

Are any of his other books any good?

James Patterson. . . I can only comment on the ones I have read

BLUF: Patterson, like Clancy, has mostly become a "Brand" and most of the recent titles with his name are written by the co-author (Patterson helps brainstorm the story, and sometimes outline) - which is when I stopped reading most of his work (with some exceptions); partly from quality and partly from volume (so many new books per year was not worth it to me). 

Women's Murder Club:

Spoiler

Easily the best series after the Alex Cross novels - at least in the beginning. I really liked the early premise of having the cop, coroner, lawyer and journalist all working together; with different roles being primary or secondary in different books (Lindsey Boxer, the cop, wasn't always the primary focus) and it also led to multiple story-arcs that may or may-not intertwine. 

The first six were excellent, as I recall, and Maxine Paetro is a good co-author with Patterson. I read through 13, I think, but I don't have strong memories of the later books.

I was sad the TV adaptation was a bust (especially with Angie Harmon in the lead, who I really liked in the adaptation of Tess Gerritsen's of Rizzolli and Isles)

Michael Bennett:

Spoiler

I really liked the beginning of the series, but I think I only read two or three of them as I found them about the time I burned out on Patterson. 

Private:

Spoiler

I recall enjoying book 1, and the series went "international" on the second or third book. The stories were fine, but having a whole new cast every book turned me off a bit. I don't think I read past Private: London

Maximum Ride (YA):

Spoiler

This started strong as a YA Urban Fantasy and the first three were really good. Then, it seemed to me the plan changed (for unknown reasons, and the whole tone shifted in a way that I did not care for. 

Witch and Wizard (YA):

Spoiler

As a YA fantasy, it seemed okay. Only five books total and I mostly read them as a ""pre-check" because I gifted them to a niece and I wanted to make sure they were content appropriate. Not bad, not stellar. Just dystopian YA at the beginning of the Dystopian YA craze (2009 for book 1).

Zoo:

Spoiler

Stand-alone (ish) - I enjoyed the story and it was a bit of a departure from most of his work (with the touch of Urban Fantasy for the plot). It technically has a novella sequel, but that is, to me, ignorable. 

 

Hope that helps

[KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren He/Him]

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This one I read for school. It's historical fiction, set in World War II, something I don't usually read. It's pretty good, and really the main things that could've made it more enjoyable for me would be making the main character relevant to the greater war and changing the outcome somehow, so basically making it not-historical fiction.

The book didn't place on my top 50, but I'd say it's the best out of all the historical fiction books I'd read, which is like four books, but still.

Mitosis by Brandon Sanderson

Interesting Epic powers! Also kind of foreshadows stuff in the later Reckoner's books.

[Mitosis]

Spoiler

I liked the ending. The people of Newcago helping was really cool.

 

[aneonfoxtribute]

Blasting through Black Clover now. Just passed chapter 200 because the arc I'm on is crazy good. 

[Treamayne]

Just picked up the new Dresden Short Story - Mister Petty - Paranormal Payback anthology

PoV is Goodman Grey

- - - 

Finished Mr. Petty and 12 Months. 

Finished Parade of Horribles

Considering Powder Mage or Leviathan Wakes next.

Edited May 23 by Treamayne
Updates

[Usseewa ✾ She♡They ✾]

your thoughts

 

 

and a bunch of stuff

right now Finnegan's Wake (by James Joyce)

but also Notes from Underground (by Fyodor Dostoevsky)

and i started The Myth of Sisyphus (by Albert Camus)

 

but they're honestly kinda hard and i haven't read in like months  

[Ascended Grubberfly He/Him]

Just started A Natural History of Dragons by Lady Trent, written by Marie Brennen. I saw the diagram of a dragon on the cover and went “yes. This is gonna be good.” Pretty enjoyable so far.

[Treamayne]

18 minutes ago, Through The Living Grub said:

Just started A Natural History of Dragons by Lady Trent, written by Marie Brennen. I saw the diagram of a dragon on the cover and went “yes. This is gonna be good.” Pretty enjoyable so far.

@CoderDrag0n8 - just bringing this to your attention. 

Goodreads Synopsis

[CoderDrag0n8 He/They]

23 hours ago, Treamayne said:

@CoderDrag0n8 - just bringing this to your attention. 

Goodreads Synopsis

I feel loved

dear god this book looks awesome.

[Use the Falchion]

Finished All of the Skills 6 earlier this week, and now I'm waiting on Songs of the Dead. After that, Unbound 12 (the finale!) on June 24, Quest Academy 6 on June 26, and nothing really until August. 

I started Nicoli Gonnella's (author of Unbound series) new book Sovereign Sight on Royal Road. I'm not sure how much I want to read before the full book comes out, but it's pretty interesting so far!

 

My top read of this year is still Elydes on Royal Road. I read it a few years ago, then reread the series when Book 3 came out on Kindle, then read Book 4 and all the author had out of Book 5 on RR. Since then, I've kept up with the weekly chapters, and I can't wait to see how Book 5 ends. 

[Through the Living Hopper He/Him]

It's been a long time since I've done a recap, but some highlights:

See How They Run, by James Patterson 

Interesting story, but something about it felt a little off. 

Spoiler

I'm never going to be a huge fan of stories that rewrite history in a way that can be easily disproven. That being said, it was an insight into neo-Nazism that was saddening. The car horn scene was heart-wrenching. The twist at the end felt contrived.

Okay read, but not one I would recommend to a friend.

Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline

This is the opposite. This will probably be the first book I recommend to people after Jurassic Park. 

Spoiler

A fun story about a virtual reality world that does end up having real stakes. The ending was a little bit unsatisfying, but still finished the book well. It's funny, well-written, insightful, and clean (except for two pages where he gets very open about his masturbatory habits).

The Martian, by Andy Weir

I've heard some bad things about this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Mark Whatney is funny, interesting, and even though I've seen the movie, this book held my interest.

Spoiler

That being said, in the movie he proposes his "I could fly like Iron Man" plan, it's shot down, and he eventually has to do it. In the book, he brings it up, it's shot down, and he doesn't have to do it (but it gives them an idea). I was very disappointed while reading the book.

If I know the person is okay with language, then this is a definite recommendation. Such a great book with moderately real science.

Artemis, by Andy Weir

Not nearly as good as his other two books, but a fun read. I don't really have anything to say about this one.

Eh. I liked it, but I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they like North Pole's Eleven. (Because the moon might have had an ocean on its North Pole).

Red Rising and Golden Son, by Pierce Brown

A masterfully written story about a slave class trying to rise up. 

Spoiler

Halfway through the first book, we take a turn into Hunger Games territory, but much better written and with actual interesting story.

The end of the next book didn't really thrill me for the last one, and made me think this story really could have been called Les Marsérables, then that ending wouldn't have come out of nowhere. That being said, it didn't feel rushed, just seemed like a poor narrative choice.

A lot of both books is focused on political intrigue, which I love reading (and writing), but is difficult to be interested in when you're like me and can't remember names.

Not sure how I'm going to feel about the rest of the series after that ending.

A solid sci-fi (really just fi, there's not a lot of science in these books) tale that I'll probably recommend.

Currently Reading: Dungeon Crawler Carl series, by Matt Diniman.

I figured I'd give this a try, and it was worth it! Funny and weirdly heartwarming (sometimes over a fire), this book has most of what you need for a great story: a very relatable protagonist with a fun sidekick, a very definite goal, and tons of gore.

Spoiler

I just finished the 3rd book, and it was frustrating. I saw what they should have done 25% before the end, but they didn't do it.

Probably not one I'd recommend, but by no fault of the book, it's just very adult.

[GG0z He/Him]

I'm also reading Red Rising!!

[KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren He/Him]

2 hours ago, Through the Living Hopper said:

 

The Martian, by Andy Weir

I've heard some bad things about this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Mark Whatney is funny, interesting, and even though I've seen the movie, this book held my interest.

  Hide contents

That being said, in the movie he proposes his "I could fly like Iron Man" plan, it's shot down, and he eventually has to do it. In the book, he brings it up, it's shot down, and he doesn't have to do it (but it gives them an idea). I was very disappointed while reading the book.

If I know the person is okay with language, then this is a definite recommendation. Such a great book with moderately real science.

Well,

Spoiler

The book didn't have the iron man sequence because it just wouldn't realistically work. The thrust provided would be very limited and near impossible to control properly, and Watney's skin would be sucked in and plug the hole, so the thrust wouldn't last long anyway.

No, I haven't watched the movie, but I've heard what happens.

Anyway, it's been a long time since I posted here. I finished the Rithmatist and the Will of the Many, and have begun Lux and the Strength of the Few. I have also made some WoT progress.

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Good book, a with a really good magic system. It's pretty light compared to Cosmere stuff.

The Will of the Many by James Islington

Epic book! Really interesting, the climax was really tense. I didn't get all the answers I wanted, but that's why I'm reading the second book.

[WotM]

Spoiler

Initially when I was listening (I had the audiobook) to the Synchronism scene at the end, I thought it was a cut ending or something

I only really wished that we'd gotten to see exactly how the magic system worked.

The Strength of the Few

The sequel to WotM. I'm about a 100 pages in, and I'm finally getting some answers. And a lot more questions...

Lux by Brandon Sanderson

Interesting to see another Reckoners cell. The main character, Jax, does feel pretty David-like though.

The city of Lux is a really cool concept, and it's also nice to see more of how motivators work.

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

I am getting close to finishing this book, maybe a few more weeks

[GG0z He/Him]

13 minutes ago, KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren said:

Well,

  Reveal hidden contents

The book didn't have the iron man sequence because it just wouldn't realistically work. The thrust provided would be very limited and near impossible to control properly, and Watney's skin would be sucked in and plug the hole, so the thrust wouldn't last long anyway.

No, I haven't watched the movie, but I've heard what happens.

Anyway, it's been a long time since I posted here. I finished the Rithmatist and the Will of the Many, and have begun Lux and the Strength of the Few. I have also made some WoT progress.

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

Good book, a with a really good magic system. It's pretty light compared to Cosmere stuff.

The Will of the Many by James Islington

Epic book! Really interesting, the climax was really tense. I didn't get all the answers I wanted, but that's why I'm reading the second book.

[WotM]

  Reveal hidden contents

Initially when I was listening (I had the audiobook) to the Synchronism scene at the end, I thought it was a cut ending or something

I only really wished that we'd gotten to see exactly how the magic system worked.

The Strength of the Few

The sequel to WotM. I'm about a 100 pages in, and I'm finally getting some answers. And a lot more questions...

Lux by Brandon Sanderson

Interesting to see another Reckoners cell. The main character, Jax, does feel pretty David-like though.

The city of Lux is a really cool concept, and it's also nice to see more of how motivators work.

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

I am getting close to finishing this book, maybe a few more weeks

The strength if the Few answers some questions later on, and ends on a cliffhanger

[KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren He/Him]

Just now, GG0z said:

The strength if the Few answers some questions later on, and ends on a cliffhanger

Yep, I expected that... the second book almost always ends on a cliffhanger.

[Through the Living Hopper He/Him]

15 hours ago, KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren said:

Well,

  Hide contents

The book didn't have the iron man sequence because it just wouldn't realistically work. The thrust provided would be very limited and near impossible to control properly, and Watney's skin would be sucked in and plug the hole, so the thrust wouldn't last long anyway.

No, I haven't watched the movie, but I've heard what happens.

Spoiler

Yeah, but I still felt unfulfilled.

F = P(A)

F = 101325(A≈0.0002)

F = 20.265

According to an AI overview (which is probably the easiest way to get semi-reliable information), at the end of the movie he has to accelerate 13 m/s/s.

Matt Damon is 84 kg, so... You're right, it doesn't work.

[KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren He/Him]

6 hours ago, Through the Living Hopper said:

  Hide contents

Yeah, but I still felt unfulfilled.

F = P(A)

F = 101325(A≈0.0002)

F = 20.265

According to an AI overview (which is probably the easiest way to get semi-reliable information), at the end of the movie he has to accelerate 13 m/s/s.

Matt Damon is 84 kg, so... You're right, it doesn't work.

Spoiler

Yeah, though for me personally, the crew being willing to depressurise the rusting ship to finally get this guy back to Earth is fulfilling enough.

 

[GG0z He/Him]

7 minutes ago, KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren said:

  Reveal hidden contents

Yeah, though for me personally, the crew being willing to depressurise the rusting ship to finally get this guy back to Earth is fulfilling enough.

 

same for me

[Through the Living Hopper He/Him]

2 hours ago, KaladinsSenseOfHumourSpren said:

  Reveal hidden contents

Yeah, though for me personally, the crew being willing to depressurise the rusting ship to finally get this guy back to Earth is fulfilling enough.

 

Spoiler

It was a good ending, that's true, but it felt like a Chekhov's Gun.