Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Progress Posts 2016
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24: A "between the numbers" book of a series
- What are you reading this week? The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary? Not really, but it adds a much better understanding of the setting and an important side character.
- Have you read all the other books in the story? Not quite. I've read the first and half of the second book in the trilogy, and the third is not yet published (Come on already, Rothfuss!).
I read A War of Gifts by Orson Scott Card, 1.5 in the Ender Quintet Series . The story wasn't necessary but it was a nice revisit to the characters in the original book Ender's Game. No, I haven't read all of the books in the series, only the first three.
- What are you reading this week?Fairest by Marissa Meyer
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
It's not necessary but is a worthwhile read as it builds on the character of Queen Levana from The Lunar Chronicles.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
Nope, just have the last book, Winter to read.
Progress Post:- What are you reading?
Side Jobs: Stories From the Dresden Files, which is book 12.5 in the Dresden Files series.
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
No, but it's fun. It's a series of short stories that fit along the DF timeline and each starts with a "this fits between book __ and book __ and I wrote it because..." To me, these stories are great because each one fleshes out a different character, which provides great background when I read the regular books.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
Working on it. I'm reading them in order and this came up next because I had finished book 12. Wanted to read it before beginning 13.
I read Glitches by Marissa Meyer. I do not know if the addition to the story is necessary, because I have never read any other books in the series. I will say that after reading this story, my interest in The Lunar Chronicles was piqued.
- What are you reading this week?The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which is part of the Hogwarts Library extension to Harry Potter.
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not really, but it is really fun. The stories themselves are OK, but Dumbledore's commentary is amusing and gives "historical" perspective, while poking fun at various people who "sanitize" children's stories, or reject intermarriage between wizards and Muggles.
The last story, the story of The Three Brothers, is a crucial part of the plot in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, but it is explained there, so this book is not necessary to understand the plot.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
All the Harry Potter books, of course. But not the other books in the Hogwarts Library.
I read Alex by Lauren Oliver. It's part of the Delirium series, taking place between the first and second book. I don't think the addition was necessary at all. I was hoping it would make me love this character (that I already loved) even more, but it didn't really give me that. It gave some interesting details, but I think the author could've given the readers a lot more here. The action in this story is concurrent with the series' second book. I would've liked to see this story span the whole timeframe of that novel. If the story ended at the same point as the second novel, I think this story would've been a lot stronger.
This series has 3 novels & 4 in-between stories. I've read the novels & the prequel story, but this short story was such a disappointment, that I'm not going to read the other two. I feel like I've gotten enough out of the series.
- What are you reading this week?Mitosis - Brandon Sanderson (Reckoners #1.5)
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
I think it wasn't "necessary" as much as just a fun short addition to the series.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
I've only read book 1 & now 1.5.
Again continuing with the Philip Pullman series.
Mod
Laura wrote: "Julia, are you posting these books as you start reading them? It seems like you're starting a very large number of books..."No I've added the book I've planned to read for each category, and then update my comment once I've read them. I had a free week before getting busy at work, and I did the same last year as it made it simpler for me. I do read several books at a time but am trying to make sure I read the book category for that week, but I have read some books before their allotted week.
Mod
- What are you reading this week? The Darkest Prison - #3.5 in the Lords of the Underworld series.
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not really, although I haven't continued with the next book. It's possible that this novella introduces some key characters or storyline for book 4.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
No, I've just started, so I'm trying to read them all in order.
- What are you reading this week? I am reading book 6.5 in the Louise Penny Chief Inspector Gamache series: The Hangman
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
As I have not yet begun the book, I can not answer this question, but it has been a while since I have read one of the books, so I am feeling homesick for the characters and the places.
- Have you read all the other books in the series?
No, I have not read them all, but I have read the books on either side of this one. A new book by Penny came out in August 2015 and, like all mystery series readers, I hope there will be many more to come.
- What are you reading this week? A Queer Trade- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary? The first book in the series actually isn't out yet, but the author has said this one is helpful in understanding it!
- Have you read all the other books in the story? I've read all the books set in this world, and I can't wait for this series to kick into high gear!
Valerie wrote: "- What are you reading this week? I am reading book 6.5 in the Louise Penny Chief Inspector Gamache series: The Hangman
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
As..."
I didn't know there was a between the numbers book in this series.... may need to revise my plan.
Brandy wrote: "Valerie wrote: "- What are you reading this week? I am reading book 6.5 in the Louise Penny Chief Inspector Gamache series: The Hangman
- Do you think the addition to the story is..."
While it is another Penny book in the series, it is short, leaves out a lot of the local color in Three Pines...seems truncated, and I can't see that it adds anything to subsequent stories that I have already read. I did enjoy it, however, as it got me back with some of the players and I was missing them.
What are you reading this week?Four: A Divergent Story Collection. It was literally the only "between the numbers" book I could find that I had actually read the series for.
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Honestly, not really. Although it could be interesting seeing the events from Four's perspective, I really wasn't impressed with how the alternating perspectives were used in the third book of the series. Four didn't really have a distinct "voice" from Tris, and I was never sure who was telling the story.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
I've read all three books in the trilogy, but nothing else (I think there are a couple of other extra books).
What are you reading this week?Like Rachel, I read Four: A Divergent Story Collection. I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, so I was interested to see if this added to the story.
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Necessary - no. Interesting - maybe. I was hoping it would give a different viewpoint or maybe some information that we didn't really have from the other books. I didn't feel like it really gave us anything new. It was a quick, easy read, so not a waste of time, but not something you need to read if you are reading the series.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
I've read the trilogy. I really enjoyed the first two books, but was really disappointed in book 3.
- What are you reading this week?Good Wives - Louisa May Alcott
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
This is #1.5, and I've only ready #1 and #1.5. However I'm pretty certain that if you go on straight to #2, you'd be pretty bewildered at the changes in the lives of the main characters.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
No, and I actually don't intend to. I read Little Women for the "children's classic" prompt, then naturally continued on to Good Wives, as they are sometimes grouped into one single book. It was an interesting read but I don't find myself interested enough by the main characters to want to read further.
1. I'm reading Four - A Divergent Collection 2. No, not really since we're getting Four's POV in Allegiant, but it's nice to read what happened to him before Divergent.
3. Yes, I've read the whole Triology.
What are you reading this week?1. Restoration of Faith
2. Welcome to the Jungle
3. B is for Bigfoot
4. Vignette
5. The Audition
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
No idea. I'm sure both series would have been fine without them, but they most likely add just enhance them.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
At this point, I've read the first 5 (of 15, with at least 2 more to come) of The Dresden Files, and only the first book of Seraphina, though I have Shadow Scale on one of my reading challenges for this year.
What are you reading this week?I'm actually reading several of these in-between short stories/novellas, sparked by the prompt for this week: all the ones in the Divergent series, and also the ones in Selection.
The book to be posted officially is The Queen (#0.4) by Kiera Cass
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not necessary, but could shed some light onto the beginnings of the Selection trilogy (and what comes thereafter).
Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yes, #1-4. Not yet 0.5, 2.5 or 2.6, but will read this week.
I'm reading Virgins: An Outlander Novella because it just came out today. Any book about Jamie Fraser is necessary!! But seriously, this gives the background story from when Jamie is in France after the flogging. I have read all of the Outlander books several times, all the novellas, and the Lord John novels.
What are you reading this week?
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
I think it helps to know Caleana's history
Have you read all the other books in the story?
I'm slowly getting through the novella's now.
This week I read The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Mass. This is the novella bind up that basically tells the prequel to the series. I enjoyed reading the stories but they aren't exactly necessary since all of the information is provided throughout the series itself. I haven't read the most recent book in the series, Queen of Shadows, because I was advised to read The Assassin's Blade first.
Progress Post:- What are you reading this week?
I read Season's Reapings, book 5.5 in the Lana Harvey Reaper's Inc series
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Necessary? Probably not but it was fun to get a bit of Lana while we are waiting for another full book to come out.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yup, and I am not so patiently waiting for May when #6 will be out! :-)
I'm reading The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by JK Rowling, for this week's challenge. I think it is a fun addition to the series, and would add a little depth to it too. You can almost pretend you're a Hogwarts student yourself, as you are reading a recommended textbook. And yes, I've read the entire Harry Potter series.
What are you reading this week?Sons of Anarchy, Volume 2
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Probably not necessary but as a big fan of the show, it's certainly appreciated and I think it's nice that we're being given extra snippets that we didn't get in the show. For example, this one takes place between seasons 3 and 4 and the gap between those seasons, in the story line of the show was supposed to be about a year and a half, so there's a lot that we would've missed out on in that time so it'll be awesome to get a look into what actually happened during that time.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
I read the first volume. I loop-holed with this topic as this is volume 2 and not a 'between the numbers book' but it's a 'between the seasons book' so I decided to count it.
What are you reading this week?Add me to list of people reading The Hangman by Louise Penny
for this week.
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not at all. And like others, I noticed the lack of depth and character development in this 96 page piece. It says on her web site that: The Hangman was written for a literacy campaign, for emerging adult readers. It's a novella, and while it features Gamache and is set in Three Pines it is not really part of the series.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yes I have finally caught up. I adore Inspector Gamache and consider these books a treat I give myself. The latest installment is set to be published in August, so I'll probably read it for Week #52 - A Book Published in 2016. Time will tell.
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- What are you reading this week?The Slow Regard of Silent Things
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
No, it isn't but it was wonderful to read.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
I would have if Rothfuss isn't taking so long to finish the third book....
What are you reading this week?I was going to read The Assassin's Blade, and I probably will go back and read it, but I just bought a copy of The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss so I'm going with that this week!
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
I think I read somewhere that Rothfuss said it isn't essential to the storyline, but I love the character of Auri (I think she's the only female character I like in his books!) so I hope it will shed some light on her past.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yes. I find them slow at times, but his world-building is amazing.
What are you reading this week?I read The Three Monarchs, which is Book #1.5 in Anthony Horowitz's Sherlock Holmes pastiche.
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Nope. It was clearly written to drum up interest in the second book of the series as the entire ebook is 27 pages and only 10 are the short story--the other 17 is an excerpt from book 2.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
No--I need to read Book 2.
What are you reading this week?Finding Cinderella
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not necessarily.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yes.
- What are you reading this week? Little Knife (The Grisha #2.6)- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
It's my 3rd short story in the series and only the 2nd added something with a point of view from another character. However the 1st and this one are tales in the same universe and I really enjoyed them :)
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
No, I've the 3rd book and 2 short stories left. Her new series is in the same universe, so I'll read this one too!
- What are you reading this week?Waking Kate
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
not really
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
yes lost lake
What are you reading this week?A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris. It's a collection of short stories in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Probably not. The books have slowly been getting worse, but as I had nothing else to put in for this week's prompt ...
Have you read all the other books in the story?
Not yet. I've read 10/13 of the novels, and there are four "between the numbers" also. I'm not overly enthused about continuing, but I will eventually.
- What are you reading this week?I read The Slow Regard of Silent Things book 2.5 in Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller Series
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
No, not necessary, but it was a lovely look at a minor character.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
I've read the two novels in the trilogy that are currently published. There is also another story (The Lightning Tree) which I haven't read yet.
What are you reading this week?I read Stars Above, the collection of short stories from The Lunar Chronicles
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not particularly. Some of it was nice to read or to have expanded upon, but I don't think any of them was particularly necessary
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yes. All the main books at least. Now I'm just missing Fairest, which I now intend to read.
- What are you reading this week?Iron's Prophecy (The Iron Fey, #4.5) by Julie Kagawa
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Its after the main story has ended so its sort of like a longer epilogue, which just enforces the 'happy ever after' which is nice
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yep 4 novels and 3 novellas
I've read The Rose of Fire (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #2.5). It is very short (36 pages) so of course it cannot be a huuuge addition to the story, but it was a nice one. I've read the first 2 books and am planning to read the last one next year (it is a very good series).
I am reading The Hangman by Louise Penny. #6.5 in Inspector Armand Gamache mystery series.It was a nice short story but not necessary for the series.
Progress Post:- What are you reading this week?
Zoo 2 by James Patterson which is listed as Zoo 1.5. It is one of his books in the new "bookshot" format.
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary? Yes. I took some liberty on this prompt since I will not get to read the original between the number book I wanted. So this book is the next book in the story, but it isn't a full fledged book as Zoo was.
- Have you read all the other books in the story? Yes. There was only one other book, but this one leaves it open for another.
What are you reading this week?A Rare Benedictine
The series is the medieval mysteries with a Benedictine monk, Cadfael, being the super sleuth and also herbalist in the monastery. I loved the books in the series but this one I only rated 2 stars. The first of the 3 stories in the book is about how Cadfael became a monk in the first place, after years fighting in the Crusades. I thought the next 2 would be a continuing of his 'awakening' and process to being accepted, they were not. So a little disappointing and not Ellis Peters best.
- What are you reading this week? I read The Kill Order by James Dashner- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary? It provided some introductory information, but still left the reader hanging about other necessary details. I was not fully satisfied that it had prefaced the first book.
- Have you read all the other books in the story? All now but the last one. I'm not inspired to read the last one at this point but I will just to finish the series.
- What are you reading this week?I will be reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them ostensibly by Newt Scamander as this is masquerading as a Harry Potter textbook, but obviously the real author is J.K. Rowling
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not necessary as such but I expect it will be a fun little side read. Lots of books get mentioned by the students in the Harry Potter series so it is nice to have the chance to read them!
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
I have read all the main Harry Potter books but this is my first 'extra' book. I would also like to read The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
What are you reading this week?No Place Like Oz by Danielle Paige
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Not really, but it is fun to see what someone else thinks of what happened to Dorothy and the others AFTER Dorothy goes back to Kansas.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
No. There are more after this one.
- What are you reading this week?
The Lightning Tree
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Probably not, but anything I can get my hands on written by Rothfuss is worth it.
- Have you read all the other books in the story?
Yes, and I can't wait for the third novel of the series to be published...
What are you reading this week?Legacy of the Witch
Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
Well this was book 0.5 out of 3 so having not read 1-3 I don't know. If i was to take a guess I would say that for this series we might need the back story that this book gave us. It did make me want to read the other 3 books so I could see how it all ended.
Have you read all the other books in the story?
Nope not yet. They are all on my TBR list now!
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Stars Above (other topics)Glitches (other topics)
Rebel Allies (other topics)
The Queen's Army (other topics)
Odd Thomas: You Are Destined To Be Together Forever (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Marissa Meyer (other topics)Dean Koontz (other topics)
Alexander McCall Smith (other topics)
George R.R. Martin (other topics)
Danielle Paige (other topics)
More...
For those reading in order: June 10- June 16.
Suggestions for this week: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
To discuss the book, don't forget to add it in the A-Z folders or join the existing discussion.
Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?
- Do you think the addition to the story is necessary?
- Have you read all the other books in the story?