What are you reading in April 2020?

[Shel, Moderator]

Happy April! I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and able to get some fresh air from time to time. Let us know what you are reading this month!

[Jim]

Foundation by Asimov. First time in 50 years.

[Jack]

I'm about 100 pages from finishing A Feast For Crows. I plan on reading the Themis Files series by Sylvain Neuvel. Super excited to start it!

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

I am just getting into The Fall of Dragons by Miles Cameron, the last book in his Traitor Son Cycle. I can’t imagine how all the plot threads will come together, but based on the previous 4 books, I am confident they will.

[Mary]

Witchfinder by Sarah A. Hoyt

[Shel, Moderator]

I've managed to get back to some new reading in the last week. I've read Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire and found it as delightful as her October Daye books; a memoir Feast: True Love in and out of the Kitchen which was a beautifully written picture of the author's career in the culinary world at the same time that she struggled with an eating disorder; and now I'm on Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews.

[MadProfessah]

Reading “The Light of Impossible Stars” by Gareth Powell.

[Jacki]

Jack wrote: "I'm about 100 pages from finishing A Feast For Crows. I plan on reading the Themis Files series by Sylvain Neuvel. Super excited to start it!"
Do the audiobook version of the Themis Files if you can! It's very well done with different readers for each character.

[Jack]

Jacki wrote: "Jack wrote: "I'm about 100 pages from finishing A Feast For Crows. I plan on reading the Themis Files series by Sylvain Neuvel. Super excited to start it!"
Do the audiobook version of the Themis F..."

I'll have a look! Did you enjoy the series as a whole? I'm only part way through the first book but it's really interesting so far!

[Mary]

Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 1 by Kamome Shirahama

[Christine]

I finished The Light Brigade and gave it a 3.5 star review; I actually abandoned this book early on as I'm not a fan of military SciFi, but came back and finished it. I found it a bit preachy and was confused about the characters most of the book.
I've just started The Invisible Library

[Jacki]

Jack wrote: i plan on reading the Themis Files series by Sylvain Neuvel. Super excited to start it!"
Jacki wrote: Do the audiobook version o..."

I enjoyed the first book immensely, but the other two weren't as strong but still good.

[Chris, Moderator]

I'm having a lot of difficulty concentrating this month, so I've been browsing some online collections instead. Here are links to two exhibitions from the University of Otago, showcasing some of the early days of science fiction.

https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/exhib...

https://www.otago.ac.nz/library/exhib...

[Megan]

With all this time at home, I've read a few books already this month:
The Long Earth - loved it and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
No One Is Coming to Save Us - Not SF/F, but well-written and interesting.
The Emerald Circus - A good example of why not to judge a book by its cover - it looks like a kids' book, but the stories are great and aimed at older teens/adults, since they wouldn't make sense if you weren't familiar with the stories and historical figures upon which they are based.
The Winter Siege - A good premise, but the author died before it was finished and it was completed by her daughter, so it doesn't really live up to the full potential.
Just started Mr. Churchill's Secretary, and I'm only a few chapters in, so it's too early to have a strong opinion.

[Chris, Moderator]

Just a note: the 2020 Hugo nominations were announced today. You can find a full list of nominees here: https://www.sffworld.com/2020/04/news...

[Kari]

Chris wrote: "Just a note: the 2020 Hugo nominations were announced today. You can find a full list of nominees here: https://www.sffworld.com/2020/04/news..."

Thank you for the link! Looks like there are a lot of new books I need to read. :)

How are you liking Clean Sweep, Shel? I never got around to finishing the Kate Daniels series but it was my favorite urban fantasy when I read it (I'm just terrible at following up on series while they're still going).

Having a problem concentrating too so I've gone over to novellas and short stories for a bit. :-/

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

I finished The Fall of Dragons by Miles Cameron last night. It is the final book in Traitor Son Cycle, and it, like the series, is amazing. 10/10. Meticulously researched in terms of armor, battles, and the mundane aspects of waging medieval warfare. Shifting alliances, unexpected revelations, just the right dose of humor and romance, and a plot that grew in complexity with each installment in the series and yet was mostly satisfyingly resolved in the end. Characters that spanned the spectrum of races/species/sexuality/gender in ways that were remarkably inclusive. And timeless themes of good, evil, and power, explored in ways that required me, as the reader, to constantly re-examine and alter my perspective. Highly recommend this series!

[Shel, Moderator]

Kari wrote: "How are you liking Clean Sweep, Shel? I never got around to finishing the Kate Daniels series but it was my favorite urban fantasy when I read it (I'm just terrible at following up on series while they're still going).."

I liked it, but not as much as the Kate Daniels books. I've got a pretty good ability to suspend disbelief, but this world...stretched that a bit. I couldn't quite get past the weird combination of urban fantasy and SF elements (werewolves and vampires...are aliens?) and I kind of groaned internally at the setup of what's clearly going to be an ongoing love triangle in future books. That said, it was light fun reading which was exactly what I needed.

I'm on to some food writing now with A Moveable Feast, which I've had sitting on my kindle for ages, and then I'm going to re-read Old Man's War for the new series read. That's the only one of the series that I've read before, and I loved it, so I'm really excited to read the rest of the books!

[Chris, Moderator]

I just started Old Man's War. It's a re-read for me, too, but it's also the only book in the series that I've read. I am relieved to find that its straightforward narrative style is just perfect for my hard-to-concentrate-right-now brain.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Just finished Shards of Time by Lynn Flewelling, the final book in her Nightrunner series. 9/10 A strong finish to the series.

Not sure what I will read next... I think I will try to get in another book or 2 before starting Old Man's War.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

I decided to dive into The Betrayal by C.J. Cherryh. I am about halfway through and it is really keeping my attention. A sci-fi mystery with galactic implications.

[Chris, Moderator]

I believe that Gods of Jade and Shadow is on sale for $2.99 today on Amazon and Apple books. It's a 2019 Hugo nominee.

[Shel, Moderator]

Thanks for the heads-up, Chris! Just bought it!

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Shel wrote: "Thanks for the heads-up, Chris! Just bought it!"

Yep, I did, too. Thanks!

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

The Betrayal is book 1 of Cyteen, which was originally published as 3 separate books and then later reissued in one volume. I have the separate books, so The Betrayal’s ending is no ending at all. But C.J. Cherryh does a masterful job of telling very human stories amidst planetary and intergalactic intrigue. Looking forward to reading the other 2 books of Cyteen and its sequel over the next couple months. 8/10 for The Betrayal.

[Shel, Moderator]

My loan for The Ghost Bride just came in, so I'm putting A Moveable Feast: Life-Changing Food Adventures Around the World aside to read that!

[Random]

Got my hands on the new The Last Emperox today.

Been looking forward to it since I finished the previous book in the series. Hoping this can help get me back on track.

[Mary]

The Unbearable Heaviness of Remembering by L. Jagi Lamplighter

Opens with a lock-down. Which obviously, given the length of time it takes to write a book, is a coincidence.

[Chris, Moderator]

If you've ever wanted to attend Worldcon (the convention that awards the Hugo) but couldn't afford the travel, this may be your year. The convention was originally planned for New Zealand, but is moving for the first time to a virtual online platform. You must buy an attending membership to participate. Membership also includes the ability to vote for the Hugo award winners, and includes downloadable files of all or portions of the nominees to help you make up your mind. More information is available at the link below. Prices for the multiple day event are in New Zealand dollars; 300 NZ$ is about 180 USD.

More info here: https://conzealand.nz/blog/2020/04/15...

[Chris, Moderator]

Random wrote: "Got my hands on the new The Last Emperox today.

Been looking forward to it since I finished the previous book in the series. Hoping this can help get me back on track."

I just finished. I absolutely loved the other two books in the series. But I'm torn on this one, can't decide if the ending is brilliant or a copout. Would be interested in hearing your impression!

[Random]

Chris wrote: "I just finished. I absolutely loved the other two books in the series. But I'm torn on this one, can't decide if the ending is brilliant or a copout. Would be interested in hearing your impression"

I'm working my way through. Slower going than usual, but hey, its keeping my attention. I'll have to report back once I'm done. I'm still somewhat early on.

[MadProfessah]

I’m reading BOOK 2 of the Lady Astronaut series,THE FATED SKY, I’m not exactly sure why.

[Christine]

I wasn't sure I'd like The Invisible Library, but I did and will get the next volume once my library reopens (all books now due July 30). I'm about to start Dispel Illusion

[Mary]

Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi

[Jack]

Christine wrote: "I finished The Light Brigade and gave it a 3.5 star review; I actually abandoned this book early on as I'm not a fan of military SciFi, but came back and finished it. I found it a b..."

I just finished the series. Waking Gods was my favourite! Only Human was alright, but obviously the weakest in the series. I hope it carries on.

[MadProfessah]

The first book (WAKING GODS) by Neuvel I’d say is the best of the books, the second is excellent and the 3rd Is just bad.

[Lindsey]

Kathi wrote: "I decided to dive into The Betrayal by C.J. Cherryh. I am about halfway through and it is really keeping my attention. A sci-fi mystery with galactic implications."

Kathi, do you have a recommended starting place for C. J. Cherryh? She's been hovering in the wings of my TBR list for awhile and I'd like to bump her onto my shelves.

Jim wrote: "Foundation by Asimov. First time in 50 years."

How does it hold up? I keep thinking I should re-read. I enjoyed it as a teen but wonder if it's been visited by the Suck Fairy in my absence.

I'm actively reading The Color of Magic and The Invisible Library, which is hooking me more than the opening made me think it would. I'm also trying to finish Executive Orders by the end of the month. I was listening to it on audiobook on my commute but my checkout expired and so did my commute (ha ha), so no more audiobooks for awhile.

[Anthony]

@Lindsey I have only read Cherryh’s Hugo-winning Downbelow Station, and I thought it was fantastic. I imagine it wouldn’t be to everyone’s taste, though, since her style is a bit oblique at times. But I was totally mesmerized and ultimately quite moved and impressed by it. I believe Kathi has read a fair amount more of her work, though, so I’d be curious to hear if she has other recommendations.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Lindsey wrote: "Kathi, do you have a recommended starting place for C. J. Cherryh? She's been hovering in the wings of my TBR list for awhile and I'd like to bump her onto my shelves."

Be careful what you ask for...

I had read some of C.J. Cherryh’s fantasy first, quite a number of years ago—the Russian/Rusalka trilogy, which was OK but didn’t do much for me, and her Fortress series, which I liked quite well. Not among my favorites, but good. She does not write easy stories that just flow along—as Anthony said, her style can be oblique.

Then I read the Faded Sun trilogy, which is SF. I did not know at the time it was part of the Earth/Union/Alliance universe. I thought it was very good.

When this group read Downbelow Station (which I really liked) back in August 2019, I decided to keep reading. I basically read the books of the Company Wars and Union/Alliance in the order in which they were published. Some are rather narrowly focused stories of an individual or small group against the backdrop of larger events, and some are more expanded looks at those larger events while still telling very personal stories. Now I am reading the Cyteen books, which she wrote/were published kind of in the middle of the Union/Alliance books, except for the last Cyteen book, Regenesis, which was published in 2009.

The publishing order does not follow the historically order of events, but rather than try to figure out the historical order, I chose a path and followed it. It is challenging at times to remember who is fighting on which side, which changes over time, and the timeline is hard to figure out. Rather than hurt my brain, I just worry less about the overall arc and how the stories all fit together and concentrate more on each story, the characters, and the complexities of each plot. Sometimes pieces fall into place unexpectedly when reading a later book.

I think Downbelow Station or Cyteen would be a good place to start. Each would give you a feel for her world building and her style. Then you can decide whether to plunge in deeper or not.

I did a fair amount of reading online, various websites, for recommendations of reading order, good place to start, etc. You may want to sample a few other opinions.

I still have her ongoing Foreigner series on my shelf, as well as the books in the Morgaine Cycle (very loosely connected to the Union/Alliance universe) and the Dreaming Tree fantasy duology. But after Cyteen, I will take a break from her for a while.

[Shel, Moderator]

I think Cuckoo's Egg is a good C.J. Cherryh to start with. It's a standalone, and it showcases what she is best at - writing SF from an alien POV. Aside from that one I've read and enjoyed the Faded Sun trilogy, some of the Chanur books, and the first of her Foreigner series. I also read her The Morgaine Saga, but didn't like it as much.

[Shel, Moderator]

I finished my re-read of Old Man's War yesterday and it was just as good as I remembered. Really excited to read the rest of the series with you all because I never continued, for some reason!

None of the e-book loans I've been waiting for have come in yet, so I'm digging into the backlog of random books I'd downloaded onto my kindle over the years. I'm now reading The Queen's Poisoner, which I'd gotten as a free kindle first read a few years ago. I'm finding the writing kind of simplistic and the plot very superficial, but I'm interested enough to finish reading it.

[Mary]

Just finished Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 2. Starting Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 3

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

I read Old Man's War for our group series read and enjoyed it. My comments are in the discussion folder for the series.

Then I read The Hidden Dragon, part of Irene Radford’s Dragon Nimbus world and book one in the Stargods trilogy. Some of her writing habits that annoyed me in earlier books are starting to really bug me, but I still have enough interest in the story to keep going. 5/10

Out of genre next with a Jack Reacher novel, The Affair by Lee Child. 8/10. This story takes place near the end of Reacher’s time as an Army MP and was definitely a page turner. Included in the book was a short story that takes place in Reacher’s teens and really shows how the skills needed to be a successful MP were already being honed in his youth.

Now I’m reading The Barbed Coil by J.V. Jones. I haven’t read very much of it yet, but I am getting sucked in to this world and its intrigues. Hope it holds up.

[Shel, Moderator]

I finished The Queen's Poisoner, and it was okay, not great, but not so terrible that I didn't finish it. I doubt I'll bother with the rest of the trilogy.

My ebook loan for The Invisible Library came in, so I'm starting that early. I'm about halfway through and can already tell that I'll be continuing with the series, it's a lot of fun!

[Mary]

Just finished Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 4 and begun Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 5

[Mary]

Gods of Pangaea by John C. Wright

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Jim wrote: "Foundation by Asimov. First time in 50 years."

Jim, what did you think after 50 years?

[Jack]

Currently reading The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. It's really fascinating so far.

[Christine]

I just finished Dispel Illusion which is the final book in this trilogy; I was still a bit confused, but pleased with the ending . Next up is The Priory of the Orange Tree a very fat book!!

[Kari]

I just finished Exit Strategy (the final Murderbot novella) in preparation for the full-length novel coming out soon and one of the back-issues I have of Uncanny Magazine. I'm now starting the Hugo-nominated novella Her Silhouette, Drawn in Water. Novellas and short stories seem to be working best for my attention span issues right now!