Jenna's A-Z Challenge

[Jenna]

Completed: 15/26

A- The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
B- Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
C- The Black Company by Glen Cook
D-
E- Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
F-
G- Stardust by Neil Gaiman
H- Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb
I-
J-
K- The Gunslinger by Stephen King
L- Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
M- Dreamsongs Volume I by George R.R. Martin
N-
O- The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
P- The Builders by Daniel Polansky
Q-
R- Queen of Fire by Anthony Ryan
S- Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
T-
U-
V-
W- The Thousand Names by Django Wexler
X-
Y-
Z- Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny

[Jenna]

Hello! I just recently joined this group. Good luck to everyone doing the A-Z challenge!
Comments on Warbreaker
5/5*
Sanderson is always my go-to author for a good read. I figured I'd start with an author I'm familiar with and then dive into some new authors. Plus I got this book for Christmas. Unlike some books with multiple perspectives, I loved all of the characters who had a POV and I never felt myself looking forward to check whose story was coming up. Like most of Sanderson's novels, this was pretty fast-paced and the world-building was creative and fun.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I love Sanderson. I haven't read this one, yet.

[Dani]

This is probably the only book by Sanderson I haven't read yet, but he will definitely be my S lol.

[Bill]

I really enjoyed Warbreaker also. He will be my S as well when I finish up his Reckoners series.

[Eszter]

I'm so excited that Calamity is coming out soon for Reckoners!

[Dani]

Mistborn 6, The Bands of Mourning, is also coming out this year on January 26. He is such a prolific writer!

[Jenna]

Helen wrote: "I love Sanderson. I haven't read this one, yet."
It reminded me a bit of the Mistborn series with the different levels having different powers. Instead of metals, there are "Breaths" and colours.

[Jenna]

Daniela wrote: "This is probably the only book by Sanderson I haven't read yet, but he will definitely be my S lol."
It definitely won't disappoint you!

[Jenna]

Bill wrote: "I really enjoyed Warbreaker also. He will be my S as well when I finish up his Reckoners series."
I have the first of the Reckoners series on my bookshelf right now as well (I just got a whole bunch of Sanderson for Christmas). I decided to read Warbreaker first, but I think I'm going to read Reckoners next.

[Jenna]

Daniela wrote: "Mistborn 6, The Bands of Mourning, is also coming out this year on January 26. He is such a prolific writer!"
I'm so excited! And I was surprised when I saw the release date since Shadows of Self only came out a few months ago!

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I had 'Read more Sanderson' as my resolution a couple of years ago.

[Jenna]

Helen wrote: "I had 'Read more Sanderson' as my resolution a couple of years ago."
I feel like that is the best resolution ever. I never have any good resolutions..

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

Yeah, I met that so effortlessly too. Although there are still loads to read.

[Jenna]

I'm still reading Jim Butcher's Furies of Calderon and I'm enjoying it a lot. So far, I feel as though the furies have been a bit under-explained, but hopefully as I go on, it will all piece together (I'm on page 396).

[Jenna]

Here is my review for Furies of Calderon! Watch out for (minor) SPOILERS if you want to read it.
4/5*
It took me awhile, but I finally finished.
The thing I love most about this novel is Jim Butcher's world-building. He takes some ideas (such as power of the elements) and makes them his own, creating a unique world that is easy to attach to. Tavi, Amara, Bernard and parts of the Marat are all exciting to follow as they try to stop the big bad evil Fidelias.
Fidelias. Ah. I feel as though it was unnecessary to follow his point of view and his POV actually made me take him much less seriously. He is so comically evil with his only reason for betraying Gaius and Amara being defeat is inevitable. I felt as though this is an insufficient motive for the amount of effort he puts in to opposing the First Lord, attempting to destroy the Garrison and the surrounding steadholds.
Also, Isana's story is not the most interesting. She is constantly back and forth from decently powerful to completely helpless and reliant on random chances.
As much as I didn't like these two POVs, I acknowledge that at least Isana's is essential to the story. Also, the bulk of the novel is taken up by Tavi and Amara, so it's just a little complaint.

[Bill]

Jenna, books 3 and 4 are where this series really takes off.

[Jenna]

Bill wrote: "Jenna, books 3 and 4 are where this series really takes off."
Good to know. I will eventually get to the rest of series, but I have other series to finish as well as some new series sitting on my bookshelf.

[Jenna]

Today was a day to get most of my reading finished up. School has already been busy, but I finally had a chance to sit down and relax with some books for the day. I just finished Dreamsongs Volume I, which I started a long time ago but finally picked it back up again this month.
4/5*
A mix of fiction from science fiction to fantasy to horror. It's a good read if you're just looking to pick it up for a few minutes at a time. I didn't love all the stories, but it was interesting to see GRRM's stories with the biographical context.

[Jenna]

I also just realized that the next fantasy book I'm going to read is The Autumn Republic by Brian McClellan..another M. Maybe someone else will read the Powder Mage Trilogy for their A-Z challenge. Let me know if you do!

[Jenna]

My alphabet list appears to be going nowhere...
I've been reading quite a bit of history and historical fiction lately and I'm trying to add all fantasy (where possible) to this list.
I did finish The Autumn Republic which was awesome. Military fantasy is one of my favourite sub-genres and this was a great end to a great trilogy.

[Robin]

Jenna wrote: "I did finish The Autumn Republic which was awesome. ..."

You didn't put it on your list! I have his first book down to read for my challenge. Looking forward to it.

[Jenna]

You didn't put it on your list! I have his first book down to read for my challenge. Looking forward to it."

I know.. I already had an author for M so I was hoping someone would put it on their list! I'll look forward to your review of the first book; I hope you like it.

[Jenna]

Comments on Prince of Fools:
5/5*
Wow. I just stayed up until 5 am to finish this book - it was that good! A long journey with two completely opposite people: Jal and Snorri will have you laugh and cheer for them all the way to the Bitter Ice. The references to The Broken Empire Trilogy were also fun, but as much as I liked the first series, I am already loving The Red Queen's War even more. Can't wait to read The Liar's Key!

[Jenna]

Comments on The Black Company:
2/5*
I've heard that this book is either one that you love or hate..and well, I suppose it's quite obvious where my feelings fall.
I love the concept of a group of mercenaries who are able to do things that characters in other fantasy novels aren't able to do because the reader already knows they aren't heroes. They also aren't villains, so you still want to cheer for them, and possibly the most important: you are intrigued by their mystery so you want to get to know them. However, I couldn't find myself developing an interest in any of the characters apart from brief curiously in the case of Raven.
Also, something I don't usually complain about: I felt there was a lack of worldbuilding. Perhaps this is because the novel is fairly short, but I just felt that there was some description missing as most of the novel was filled with dialogue (at least it seemed that way).

[Jenna]

I finished The Gunslinger! I was putting this book off because of some negative reviews from others in this group, but I'm glad I picked it up. I can understand the negative reviews as there is not much progress after the first sentence. You could read the first line and almost skip the whole book! That being said, it was enjoyable for 300 pages (at least my revised/expanded edition was 300 pages) of basically nothing and I've heard the series really picks up after the first one. 4/5*

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

I'm reserve my comment until you finish the series :)

[Jenna]

Helen wrote: "I'm reserve my comment until you finish the series :)"
Well that might be a while!

[Charles]

Yes, Jenna, The Gunslinger kind of drags along, like a pointless action movie. But the series becomes totally captivating as it moves on, and is very James Joycian with its many references to his other works.

[Jenna]

Charles wrote: "Yes, Jenna, The Gunslinger kind of drags along, like a pointless action movie. But the series becomes totally captivating as it moves on, and is very James Joycian with its many references to his o..."

I kind of got the feeling that it is more of a giant prologue that you understand once you get to the very end of the series. Not sure how accurate that is, but that's just how I was feeling.

[Dan]

I loved the Gunslinger. I have yet to read the rest of the series, but I got a distinct Moorcock-esque feel from The Gunslinger. Very different, more introspective, than the rest of King's works I have read.

[Angela]

Jenna, I have The Gunslinger on my list to read for the challenge as well. I've been told the first book drags as well, but after that the series really picks up.

Good to hear you enjoyed Prince of Fools. I haven't read that series yet, but really enjoyed The Broken Empire series.

[Jenna]

Angela wrote: "Jenna, I have The Gunslinger on my list to read for the challenge as well. I've been told the first book drags as well, but after that the series really picks up.

Good to hear you enjoyed Prince o..."

Even though it drags, the writing is still good, so I was never tempted to give up.

In my opinion (so far as I've read), The Queen's War series is even better than The Broken Empire.

[Jenna]

I finished Gardens of the Moon and WOW. I loved it. 5/5* Here is my review:
See review

[Eszter]

Gardens of the Moon is a book that has been on my to read list (and bookshelf) for such a long time, but I've been intimidated by people saying its extremely confusing. However, you're review really wants me to pick it up this month.

[Jenna]

Eszter wrote: "Gardens of the Moon is a book that has been on my to read list (and bookshelf) for such a long time, but I've been intimidated by people saying its extremely confusing. However, you're review reall..."

I'm glad! It is confusing, but it is totally worth the read. Someone just sent me a link for people rereading it which you could find really helpful if you find yourself confused: Malazan Reread

[Lundos]

@Jenna: Great review. Will you continue the series straight away? Deadhouse Gate is even better.

[Jenna]

Lundos wrote: "@Jenna: Great review. Will you continue the series straight away? Deadhouse Gate is even better."

Thank you! I am finishing up The Farseer Trilogy first and I am also reading Michael J. Sullivan's The Crown Tower, but after these two, I will get back to Malazan with Deadhouse Gates.

[Helen, I·ᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪʙʀᴀʀʏ]

You have some excellent books on this.

[Jenna]

Helen wrote: "You have some excellent books on this."

Thanks! And yes, it's been a pretty good year regarding my reading list!

[Jenna]

I finished The Rook today and spoilers are hidden in my review for anyone who will be reading it for the first time in the book club read in May. 4/5*

See Review

[Jenna]

So I keep reading 'M' and 'S' authors and this challenge doesn't look like it's moving much. I left my Robin Hobb book at my parents' house so I've been deprived of Fitz and his shenanigans. And now I have so many series I've started that I want to keep reading. Onto Deadhouse Gates!

[Daniel]

There's also some shenanigans from a Fitz in The Thousand Names! ;)

[Jenna]

I finally finished Assassin's Quest. 4/5* I wrote a review, but there are spoilers for the trilogy, so just a warning before you read it: See Review

[Chris]

Great review! Are you planning to continue with Hobb soon?

[Scott]

I still need to read Quest; I've put it off for a while now

[Jenna]

Chris wrote: "Great review! Are you planning to continue with Hobb soon?"

Thanks! I don't think I'll go back to Hobb right away, but only because I have so many other series to continue (and letters to complete!) and it's not like I'm waiting to tie up cliffhangers from Assassin's Quest.

[Jenna]

Scott wrote: "I still need to read Quest; I've put it off for a while now"

I'd say it's definitely worth it! There are some moments that were not great, but the ending makes it all better. :)

[Chris]

I understand. I ended up waiting a few years between each series. I'd recommend that you do read the Liveship Trader trilogy before Tawny Man though. It's mostly different characters, but some events do tie in.

[Jenna]

Chris wrote: "I understand. I ended up waiting a few years between each series. I'd recommend that you do read the Liveship Trader trilogy before Tawny Man though. It's mostly different characters, but some even..."

Yeah, I was thinking about skipping some of the series, but I think I'll give all of them a fair shot. I got Fool's Assassin for Christmas, but I have a feeling it will be quite a while before I get to it.