It is going to be so hard to wait for the next book in this series! I want to know how this series wraps up (outside of the tv series).
This book actuaIt is going to be so hard to wait for the next book in this series! I want to know how this series wraps up (outside of the tv series).
This book actually runs in tandem with the previous one as far as story chronology goes. We get to learn about what other characters are doing and experiencing that were not in the previous book.
Martin is running into the typically problem with a huge, epic fantasy story (like Wheel of Time) where you have so many characters that it is tough to include them all in each novel. This is a fine way of handling it so that the stories do not feel rushed or slighted.
And though it may be tough for Martin to end in any other way than the tv version because so many people will consider that the canon because he wasn't able to finish his own version beforehand, I would hope that it is more fulfilling and offers better closure than I've heard the tv version does (I have not yet watched the final couple of seasons)....more
This book felt more like the part of the game where you are starting to move your pieces into place in preparation Book 3 and the wars still rage on.
This book felt more like the part of the game where you are starting to move your pieces into place in preparation for the end game. So there is lots of movement and feinting and testing the waters.
And yet, it is still intriguing and fun to read. Lots of conflicts and plots and twists to keep my attention....more
This continues the story of the factions that are striving for control of Seven Kingdoms.
I felt like Martin fulfillThis is the second in the series.
This continues the story of the factions that are striving for control of Seven Kingdoms.
I felt like Martin fulfilled many of my expectations from the first book and I was always kept guessing on what would happen. It seems like no character is safe from death. Which makes it tough to start rooting for just one character. This means that I have to actively participate in the story with the characters as I work to attribute positive and negative meanings to everyone's actions. Nobody is a pure angel and nobody is a pure demon. Life here (and in reality) is complex....more
Book two of the Kingkiller Chronicle continues Kvothe's story as he becomes more adept at the University but moves on to a patron in a big city where Book two of the Kingkiller Chronicle continues Kvothe's story as he becomes more adept at the University but moves on to a patron in a big city where he must figure out intrigues and plots against his patron and himself. Eventually, he ends up in faerie land through a series of crazy events and experiences a "love story" kind of adventure. He later goes to train as a fighter by the masters of the art. He experiences struggles and prejudices and secrets there. And, then there is the outer story of strange things happening in the "present day" at the inn that keep things moving along and keeping the reader guessing on why Kvothe is there and what has happened to him in the intervening time.
I have heard that the 3rd book is merely a side story of this series, but I still want to read it. However, I am definitely looking forward to the 4th and concluding book in this world....more
I read this awhile ago, so I'm not going to give much of a review here. I do remember that the concept was so interesting and fun. It reminded me of tI read this awhile ago, so I'm not going to give much of a review here. I do remember that the concept was so interesting and fun. It reminded me of the TV show "Quantum Leap". In any case, this one is about a person who "wakes" up every day in a different body.
The twist is that this person ("A") starts falling in love with someone and so A has to figure out how to grow that love and convince Rhiannon to love A back....more
I got this as part of a manager training offered through the place where I work. So the content was delivered in seminar format. However, I did take tI got this as part of a manager training offered through the place where I work. So the content was delivered in seminar format. However, I did take the time to read through this book afterwards so I could use the information better with my employees to help them.
The approach here was quite different from others that I've read or been trained on. It focuses mainly on how passion can help us drive up our work performance.
I learned a few new things about my own experiences and values and desires and how those were playing against the work I was doing and the joy I was feeling (or not) in my job. So, I was able to have a platform to talk with my manager about for goals and for how my boss could best help me feel motivated. Likewise, I was able to talk with my employees about it as well and to help them look at their own motivations....more
This book was recommended to me by my nutritionist for getting more detail and science-based information regarding how to best feed my body when trainThis book was recommended to me by my nutritionist for getting more detail and science-based information regarding how to best feed my body when training for endurance (and other) events.
This is a textbook. So the information is dense and the audience is assumed to have a good background in basic nutrition and health concepts. So, it took me awhile to get through. But the information was so useful and clear, that I was able to start implementing strategies from the start. I also appreciated her no-nonsense approach to diet and nutrition. She isn't trying to sell me on some expensive diet product or program. Instead, she focused on simple, real food and the value and benefits.
This was an interesting little fable. I read it because the "How to Love Lit" podcast was also reviewing it. So I wanted to follow along.
It was a litThis was an interesting little fable. I read it because the "How to Love Lit" podcast was also reviewing it. So I wanted to follow along.
It was a little too hokey for my taste. It felt too much like the new age hocus pocus nonsense like The Secret and such.
However, as a simple story of a boy who learns and grows into a man, it does have some value. And while I agree that being present and paying attention to one's surroundings is important and useful in learning and growing, I would not look to strange signs or mysterious strangers to guide me to fulfilling my dreams....more
This little book goes into even more depth and detail than the Triathlete Bible that I had also read. There are some additional workout ideas and a muThis little book goes into even more depth and detail than the Triathlete Bible that I had also read. There are some additional workout ideas and a much more descriptive approach to how and why a power meter can help me. It ties in well with the bible that I already have and fits in with Joe's fitness and exercise strategies....more
This was the incoming Freshman summer read for the University. So, I thought I'd read it as well. in case I could use it in my classes for the Fall seThis was the incoming Freshman summer read for the University. So, I thought I'd read it as well. in case I could use it in my classes for the Fall semester.
I didn't end up using it like that, but I did really enjoy the read and getting to know the author's journey from North Korea.
It was very intense and had lots of crazy twists and turns that kept me reading even past when I should have gone to bed....more
This was a truly heartbreaking story of some experiences of a holocaust survivor.
It was not a long book and it read quickly. I found myself drawn fromThis was a truly heartbreaking story of some experiences of a holocaust survivor.
It was not a long book and it read quickly. I found myself drawn from one page to the next, wanting to know what would happen and what atrocities would be committed against them next.
And yet, despite the gloom, there were some rays of hope and sunshine that showed real humanity.
I'm trying to be vague in order to avoid spoilers, but the account was well written and the things I learned will stay with me for a long time....more
Another fun turn in the Mistborn universe, following on with this Wax and Wane series (after The Alloy of Law). No spoilers since this is a series, buAnother fun turn in the Mistborn universe, following on with this Wax and Wane series (after The Alloy of Law). No spoilers since this is a series, but I will say that I enjoy the steampunk feel and the gritty characters....more
I got this book in late 2019 as I was just starting into my training for my planned full distance triathlon (Ironman) in 2020. I had used other plans I got this book in late 2019 as I was just starting into my training for my planned full distance triathlon (Ironman) in 2020. I had used other plans (mostly free) before, and they were okay. But I didn't understand the concepts or goals of the various planned workouts so I didn't know how to handle a missed one or how to know if it was working. But, this book covered everything and gave me the concepts and knowledge to adapt and work out a realistic plan for me. And when the world "collapsed" with the Covid-19 pandemic and my training had to change (or was lost completely), I had the tools to get back on track and to prepare myself the best I could for my race. And I finished!
I plan on using this book for many more years to come to help me and other athletes. I also will be doing more to sync it up with what I get with my tri club's already planned training plan....more
Some very interesting information and guidance. I've struggled with dialing in my nutrition and my upcoming (at the time) full distance triathlon (IroSome very interesting information and guidance. I've struggled with dialing in my nutrition and my upcoming (at the time) full distance triathlon (Ironman) had me a little concerned and looking for some specific guidance. I liked what Taren had to say about timing for eating and planning for the calories. And although I used an all-in-one nutrition drink for my main needs (something Taren doesn't suggest), I used what I learned in this book to help plan my use of that more realistically and I made sure that I had plenty of plain water with me and some other food options. My race day went fairly well actually. I ran into trouble because of the very cold weather, so I struggled to get enough fluids in when they were basically frozen, but I did my best and used the concepts he taught in this nice little book to guide me on what to do and when to do it....more
Yeah, I'm a little late to this party. I had actually even started watching the first couple of seasons of the series before starting the read. But thYeah, I'm a little late to this party. I had actually even started watching the first couple of seasons of the series before starting the read. But then I decided I wanted to read first, then watch. I just hope that George RR Martin is able to put more of the books out before I get to the last season of the show.
In any case, for those who have avoided it, like me, or who lived in a cave, or whatever, this is the story of how thrones are won and lost. It is definitely a fantasy genre story, with dragons and battles and such, but there are also some horror elements to it that make it a little more gritty and romance to make it real (both of those making it enticing to the masses, I think). It is also a series where it feels like pretty much any character can die at any time. Doesn't matter if they seem like one of the main protagonists or if we really like them. Things happen. Life happens (or death, more appropriately).
In this book, the story seems to mainly follow the Stark family and their intertwining with the King of the land. Without giving anything away, let me just say that there are plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror. And it is all part of the "game" of being king. The Stark family is drawn into it all, unwillingly but with loyalty and honor. And those things can be their downfall or their saving grace in this "game"....more
As will other books in series, I won't review this one fully so as to avoid giving away any spoilers.
I will say that I thought this was even better thAs will other books in series, I won't review this one fully so as to avoid giving away any spoilers.
I will say that I thought this was even better than the previous book in this series. I felt like it moved faster and that it made good progress. I also like the call-back to the original Mistborn series and some of the mythos of that world.
I definitely recommend this series and anything by Brandon!...more
Very interesting read. I finished it awhile ago so I won't give as detailed of a review for this one.
The main character was very interesting and likeVery interesting read. I finished it awhile ago so I won't give as detailed of a review for this one.
The main character was very interesting and likeable. Jazz is scrappy and a little sneaky and facing some big obstacles but she doesn't let anything stop her from her goals.
After reading the Martian, I expected Andy to give a solid science backing to this story, and he did it well. I haven't tried to do any extra research to see if it is possible, but the way it was written made me believe it could work to have a base like that and that the events could really happen.
And, yet, despite the hard science there, it was an easy and fun read....more
This book explains why and how to develop a strength program for improving speed and endurance on a road bike.
There were some interesting ideas in heThis book explains why and how to develop a strength program for improving speed and endurance on a road bike.
There were some interesting ideas in here, and I will certainly be using some of them for my own training. But, I did not agree with everything they taught or the conclusions they drew. I did find it strange that they included some diet info in here, especially since they advocate for a program that has not been tested in the long term and is mainly just fad.
I would recommend other books over this one for those who are bike training, such as the ones from Joe Friel, but there are some parts of this book that might prove useful after getting a strong base in science-backed work....more
I actually read this many many months ago. But I still remember the feeling I had as I read it. I loved the idea and the characters and I was drawn inI actually read this many many months ago. But I still remember the feeling I had as I read it. I loved the idea and the characters and I was drawn in by the world-building. And I know that I want to read the next book in this series.
Unfortunately, I don't remember much of the specifics, so I'll continue to be vague in what I do for my regular reviews.
Plot: Prince Jorg watched his brother and mother be slaughtered when just a little boy, at 13 years old he was the leader of a bloodthirsty gang of thugs, and by 15 he wants to be king. The story starts as he begins to make his way back to the castle to claim his throne. He also wants revenge.
Setting: This is the first book in the "Broken Empire" series. In this book we are mainly learning about the land of Ancrath as Jorg marches through it with his thugs. We see lots of different kinds of towns and villages and we get an idea of the desolation that is here - from sharp thorns to bogs with ghosts.
Characters: Jorg is called a devil because of the things he's done. But he doesn't care. He just wants to win and get revenge. And he won't let anyone stop him. He doesn't even care about his own life. He has nothing to lose. This is a very anti-hero character. But I came to like him and to respect him. There are many other characters that add so much to this story. The thugs, the clergy, the evil Count, the mysterious Builders. It sets up a nice mystery and adventure.
Conflict: I don't remember this as well. There is a conflict between Jorg and Count Renar (who killed his mother and brother) and then there is a conflict with some dark magic. There are also minor conflicts among the thugs and between Jorg and a clergyman. There is a lot. And it is good!
I really enjoyed the first book and I was a little worried about this one because of some other reviews I had read.
But, I did enjoy this book. It is vI really enjoyed the first book and I was a little worried about this one because of some other reviews I had read.
But, I did enjoy this book. It is very different from the previous one though, and that may be what some readers found problematic for them. For me, I liked the exploration of other parts of this world and the challenges that Matt has to face now that he is the Lord of Opium....more
This was a very informative read. I have had it on my shelf for awhile but it seemed a bit intimidating. It actually was not. However, it is probably This was a very informative read. I have had it on my shelf for awhile but it seemed a bit intimidating. It actually was not. However, it is probably more useful as an encyclopedia or reference book than it is needed to be read straight through. I'll definitely be keeping this on a shelf close by when I'm writing my fantasy novels!...more
My students really enjoyed this textbook (as much as enjoyment can be derived from a Composition textbook). They thought the explanations were clear aMy students really enjoyed this textbook (as much as enjoyment can be derived from a Composition textbook). They thought the explanations were clear and well-explained.
It was a bit on the lengthy side for them at times (so they lost momentum towards the end of some reading assignments), but I can fix that by assigning it in smaller chunks.
I was especially appreciative of the explanations about argument and the details of argument structure - it really helped the students to grasp the idea and to "copy" the form in their own papers.
It was interesting to have an associated Tumblr site as well. I used a few of the posts along with the reading to encourage additional thought and discussion. I'm not exactly sure how to plan ahead for a semester reading schedule with this (except to use what I already used once), but I'm sure it is possible....more
This was a fast and fun read. It had me second-guessing myself about whether the main character was really suffering schizophrenia or not. And while DThis was a fast and fun read. It had me second-guessing myself about whether the main character was really suffering schizophrenia or not. And while Dan set up the possibility for fantastic possibilities (meaning fantasy or sci fi elements) early on (and much better than in the first Serial Killer book), it left other possibilities open so that the plot and conflicts weren't cliche.
And so, on to the review.
Plot: Michael Shipman has paranoid schizophrenia and is forced into a mental hospital. But he worries about who is pursuing him and if they are actually real. To complicate matters, he is being tied to a string of gruesome serial killings and he has lost his memory of the past 2 weeks, right when they started.
Setting: The setting is Chicago. Which is interesting to me because of having read The White City fairly recently, with its serial killer. Much of the book takes place in the Powell mental hospital. The descriptions of the setting are not too intrusive and are just enough to give a sense of where he is and what he's looking at (or thinks he's looking at). The setting does change eventually - so that we get to experience the "Hollow City" (however, the content suggests more than just one meaning of the place, which deepens the mystery and the psychological binds).
Characters: The main character is Micheal, who we spend most of the book with in his POV. Talk about unreliable narrator! But it is interesting and keeps the suspense high. There are some other characters, none of whom we're ever sure are real: from the FBI guys to the girlfriend (Lucy) to the former psychiatrist (Dr. Vanek) to the night nurse. They are all different and interesting.
Conflict: The main conflict is in us as readers deciding if Michael is perceiving actual reality or if they are just delusions or paranoia. Then, the rest of the conflict is about Michael's struggle with going back and forth himself on what is reality. Then, there is the conflict of his being implicated in some serial murders that he is not sure himself about whether he might have committed them. Lots and lots of really good conflict that just keeps coming and twisting and keeping the story going so that I didn't want to put it down at all.
Text: The writing was tight and the foreshadowing and expectations were nicely set up....more
This was a nice easy read. And very enjoyable. Ayers' style is funny and engaging and her self-deprecating wit makes it easy to like her and to believThis was a nice easy read. And very enjoyable. Ayers' style is funny and engaging and her self-deprecating wit makes it easy to like her and to believe, like her, that if someone that that can do it, then so can I!
I saw lots of myself in this book - in things that I've done or thought over the course of the last several years as I've started racing and competing.
And I really must acknowledge the camaraderie she points out among the "back of the pack-ers" because I hadn't noticed it explicitly before but looking back, now I see it. And I can appreciate it all the more now (and into the future).
This is not really a "guide" in the sense that you can take the points she makes and apply them to your own racing. But it is a guide in gaining confidence in yourself and in appreciating the journey....more
I know it is unconscionable that I had not read this paragon of fantasy before now. And luckily, my family heard my plaintive cries of woe, and giftedI know it is unconscionable that I had not read this paragon of fantasy before now. And luckily, my family heard my plaintive cries of woe, and gifted me this book for Christmas. For which, I promptly made amends of my oversight within a fortnight.
And I am very glad that I did! This was a fun book and an easy read.
Plot: The gist of this story is a kind of origins story for the person, Ged, who was to become the greatest sorcerer in all of Earthsea. We learn his early, lowly beginnings and the quickly recognized seed of great power within him. In mage school, hungry to learn and yet also very competitive and selfish, he accidentally unleashes dark power upon the world. The rest of the book is about his resulting humbling and his attempts to set right this dangerous wrong.
Setting: The setting is basically the whole of the world called Earthsea, which consists of many islands of various sizes and lots of lots of sea around them. Over the course of the short book, we get to see several of them through Ged's eyes and there are hints of other places in the world that we will get to explore in subsequent books in this series. It is a relatively small world, but there are lots of little differences among each island's peoples, which makes for some fun settings and discussions. we go from the cool pool where Ged becomes a man to the great school of Mages and its magical flora and fauna to a mysterious castle in a deserted plain to a little hut on a small fishing village to the shores of a dragon horde to the vast sea where Ged must sail through death's threshold.
Character: Ged is characterized perfectly as a normal kid who is full of ambition. There is much to love in his care of friends and animals and in his relationships with those he respects. There is also much to worry about in his impetuousness and pride. He is humanized in this story, in other words. He isn't just some all-powerful wizard with no depth, as we often see in other stories (i.e. Gandalf - although to be fair, he isn't the heart of the story and doesn't need to be). Other characters are just as endearing, especially Vetch, his best friend. Ogion, the wizard who patiently lets him learn the lessons he needs but also tells him truths that he needs to hear. Even Jasper, his nemesis, is interesting and real and not just some cardboard evil cutout. I hope to see him again in other stories. And, very interesting also, is the fact that the skin colors of the characters are not emphasized much, but that they are mainly various shades of brown and black, thereby turning the classic white hero model on its head (this book was first published in 1968).
Conflict: I've already talked about the main conflict here - Ged's fight against the evil shadow. And there are other conflicts - with himself, with the barbarians who attack his home, with an old "friend" and some ancient magic, with Jasper, with some dragons, and with nature. What isn't here is the traditional conflict inherent in war and fighting and male aggression. Although Ged is male and many of the characters are male, they don't go around picking fights and getting into brawls or wars. Again, Le Guin turns the conventions of fantasy on their head and makes an intriguing tale.
Text: The book reads like it is being told around a campfire. It has the pacing and the tone of an adventure tale and origin story where mainly just the exciting and important bits are explained. And it works extremely well. So we get lots of details about his voyage to the mage school, but then only the highlights of his actual studies. I am not exactly sure, even after having read it, how she pulled that off. I think it had to do with the use of clipped sentences (like if someone was speaking) and simple but descriptive wording. This deserves another read sometime if I want to mimic that style in my own work!...more
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