FF: Evolving Series Characters

Argent, Roary, and Ruby Live the Dream

Back when House of Rough Diamonds (the third Over Where novel) came out, I did an on-line interview that, for various reasons, was delayed.  It’s now out, and you can find it here.

As for what I’m reading, when Jim and I got together, over twenty-five years ago, we shared favorite books with each other, as readers do.  He introduced me to Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, and as our next anniversary approaches (27th!), I decided to revisit

I was enchanted by this collection, enough that I wrote the Foreword, and in that I say why.  I met Alan first through his stories (many of which have been featured at The Mythic Café, on Facebook).  He writes urban fantasy where magic wanders in to ordinary life.  As Charles de Lint says about Alan Allinger’s writing: “He gives us a sense of wonder and characters that leave the world in a better place than before they got here… I love these characters and their stories.”

As most of you already know, the Friday Fragments is not a book review column; it’s a list of what I’m reading and maybe a bit about my opinions.  I always read the comments section and enjoy learning what other people are reading.  Oh, and I don’t usually list shorter works unless in a collection or articles, I also don’t usually list scattered research reading.

Completed:

The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne Jones.  Audiobook.  Christopher is in over his head, but it takes him a long time to realize it.  I love this story and her work in general. 

The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert B. Parker.  The first of his novels featuring what would become a long series with Spenser.  Not my favorite, but completely fascinating to watch the character begin to evolve into who he would become.

In Progress:

The Cartoon History of the Universe: From the Big Bang to Alexander the Great.  (Volumes 1-7).  One of the oddest, but most enjoyable, history series out there.  I’m at about Volume 5.

Mortal Stakes by Robert B. Parker.  Third in the series.  Spenser is now recognizably himself, less a homage to other tough guy detectives.  Vivid characterization, although book jacket copy pretty much spoiled the plot.

Also:

Doing scattered research reading as I work my way back into OW4.