Vagabond Treehouse (2023) [Beware of Chicken 3 - December 4th] Showing 1,251-1,300 of 5,829

[Choko]

I would love to start it tonight. It would be something light before we start the heavy tomes... And yes, to stretch the time before the newest WI comes out on audio:):);)

[Soo]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Read the first Andrea Vernon book and enjoyed it a bunch..."

Yay! Everyone should read the Andrea Vernon series! It's great Superhero UF.

[Soo]

Ready Player:

If you enjoyed RPO, then you'll probably like RPT. The books are throw back culture packed fun more than anything else. It has a limited target audience and I think it hit the mark well for that.

Julian, why are you saying it's a copy of Sword Art Online? I don't remember making that comparison when I read RPT.

[Soo]

Iain, did you have a negative result for Covid? Are you still recovering from a cold/covid?

Give yourself time to recover. Though the snow/ice may not be too helpful on that.

[Julian]

@Nirkatze It's still an enjoyable read but I could see how some might consider it as a cash and grab. The ending to the first book was nearly perfect and they didn't need a sequel.

@Soo the whole part where (view spoiler)[millions of people get stuck in a virtual reality world with no way of escaping it (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "I would love to start it tonight. It would be something light before we start the heavy tomes... And yes, to stretch the time before the newest WI comes out on audio:):);)"

Sweet Choko! I'll start today too. I might finish the current chapter of WI or just jump right in. I had a $5 coupon and the first book was only $1 with it on Audible. :)

TY for the conversation/clarifications on RPT y'all!

Iain, I hope you feel better!

[Nirkatze]

Just started Andrea Vernon and the Corporation for UltraHuman Protection. (Henceforth known as AVatCfUH... or just AV1) Chapter 1 is already making me laugh out loud.

(view spoiler)[I love that she's a European lit major trying to write a book about the love life of a historical figure, and worry about if there's too much sex in it.

Also seriously sympathize with a character sending resumes everywhere and only getting back rejections. And with someone so world-weary she's happy to just do what she's told, with no questions.

I remember my mother giving me interview advice--always ask questions. Supervisors like employees who will ask the intelligent questions. It shows initiative and is the path to promotion. It's a lot of pressure though too. (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Soo wrote: "Iain, did you have a negative result for Covid? Are you still recovering from a cold/covid?

Give yourself time to recover. Though the snow/ice may not be too helpful on that."

I've fully recovered... the week after was rough, and having to deal with the snow didn't help...

Work isn't really tiring because of the covid fatigue... it's just been super busy and understaffed... once upon a time, this was considered the slow time of the year, but even when it really is slow because snowing badly, there's always projects and the demands of visiting upper management to meet...

Half the time, it seems like there are only 3-4 of us there, out of a crew of close to a dozen in my area... vacations, covid leaves, and other leaves... one guy is out because he burned his hand with oil really bad... it's just alot of stacking issues...

[Nirkatze]

AV 1 Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[I love Andrea's scientific approach to figuring things out without asking questions.

And the throwaway lines--like discovering the hotel she worked at was actually a brothel--are still making me crack up. (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Yea... the book's great... I'm also kind of a sucker for this niche genre of superhero/villain's minion/henchmen/office manager...

(view spoiler)[I was kind of impressed with the whole no questions scenario, and how Andrea worked around it...

She actually gets her 90 day performance eval at the end of the book...

Also, it really showcases how right Mrs. O. was when she explained why Andrea was perfect for the job... (hide spoiler)]

Met The Big Axe yet?... the book kinda glosses over (view spoiler)[the logistical issues of dating an 8 foot 4 inch person... they make it work, I guess... (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Yea... the book's great... I'm also kind of a sucker for this niche genre of superhero/villain's minion/henchmen/office manager..."

I haven't read much in the corporate/magic crosses, but have enjoyed what I have--The House in the Cerulean Sea comes to mind. Hmm, maybe The Boys TV show? And I want to read Hench. Definitely enjoying the light-hearted humor! What else can you recommend in this genre?

The Big Axe! In Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[he comes in swinging for his 401k. Poor guy having to wait for his 16 month mark. I wonder if the matching starts after the 16 months or counts for everything he has already put in during that time? That would make a difference as to putting in money now or just saving it up for later. Unless there's monthly limits...

Have not gotten to a part where it mentions him and dating though. Being that tall has to have lots of logistical issues. (hide spoiler)]

And glad you're feeling better Iain! Seems like every aspect of business and life is more stressed lately--everyone I know is dealing with similar staffing issues and stresses...
>.< The whole world needs a break.

AV1 Chap 4 (view spoiler)[I'm loving the conversation between Scott the Salesperson and the Bronx protection lady from the Dominican Republic--how he has the pictures of his kids ready, how he "gave [his wife] a better discount than he offered her", and the line about "I don't know why they hired you as an 8 year old, but go on." LOL (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Nirkatze wrote: "Timelord Iain wrote: "Yea... the book's great... I'm also kind of a sucker for this niche genre of superhero/villain's minion/henchmen/office manager..."

I haven't read much in the corporate/magic..."

Hench was great... I saw comments from the author that a vague sequel is planned someday...

Forging Hephaestus is close...

And The Sidekicks Initiative: A Comedy Superhero Adventure

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Nirkatze wrote: "Timelord Iain wrote: "Yea... the book's great... I'm also kind of a sucker for this niche genre of superhero/villain's minion/henchmen/office manager..."

I haven't read much in the corporate/magic..."

Luckily, it sounds proportional... like a growth spell on the axe... (view spoiler)[because most real life people that tall were the result of growth hormone abnormalities, I think, and their bones struggled under the stresses and just thinning out to keep growing or something... (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Nirkatze wrote: "Timelord Iain wrote: "Yea... the book's great... I'm also kind of a sucker for this niche genre of superhero/villain's minion/henchmen/office manager..."

I haven't read much in the corporate/magic..."

That Bronx guy is a piece of work :D : (view spoiler)[he's like an HR superhero, in his own way... gung-ho for unique work like harassment... (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

And Teleporter Joe?

[Soo]

Julian, that story idea isn't unique. I've read it in plenty of other stories/etc. Probably why it didn't stick out to me. XD

Andrea Vernon is great series. Funny with real themes, but not in a heavy story format.

I wasn't a fan of Hench. If it had humor, it totally missed for me. It was a dry story and didn't have interesting plot execution/characters/etc.

Iain and I had fun with the Laundry Files, The Atrocity Archives #1. Should be able to get most of the books via library for that one. That's how I did or wait for the books to come up on sale on Audible.

Another excellent hero series is Super Powereds. Super Powereds: Year 1 #1. Long, good books. Hopefully, Hayes will write more in that world. He has a few books as standalones in it too.

[Julian]

So the ending of Ready Player Two is nearly identical to the video game Soma except much more wholesome.

[Soo]

Julian wrote: "So the ending of Ready Player Two is nearly identical to the video game Soma except much more wholesome."

lol

[Julian]

Have you played that game before by any chance?

[Nirkatze]

AV1 Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[OMG Superhero drinking party.

And "Not a doctor?" Both lol and awww. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[Awww, Big Axe both drives the lady home and has a radio set to NPR. NPR is a good sign. (hide spoiler)]

[Soo]

I've watched Sword Art Online and played the game. Read a bit of the manga. Soma I heard about, but haven't played.

Most of my console & PC gaming is pretty old at this point. lol Now, I mostly play mobile games.

[Soo]

That moment when you read old notes or a review and wonder what was going on with your brain. XD hahaha

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Soo wrote: "Julian, that story idea isn't unique. I've read it in plenty of other stories/etc. Probably why it didn't stick out to me. XD

Andrea Vernon is great series. Funny with real themes, but not in a he..."

Definitely some great series there...

And everyone finds a story time for the first time, at some point...

At this point, I've read so many UF heist stories... Pax Arcana had one, Dresden had one, Alex Verus had one... I read half of them the same year, and got a bit saturated...

[Choko]

AV1... Up to Ch 4... Haha! OK, I am really enjoying this already! Teleporter Joe is... something! And the whole office interactions thing is absolutely hilarious! I can't stop laughing! And the fact that the sales people are more important than the superheroes says something about our world, doesn't it? And the prayers, which one is more important, to pray for the people or for the sales??? Haha!

Just so we are clear, I could never do her job, because I can't stop asking questions:)

Ohh, and her figuring out how her boss drinks her coffee and the food she eats was brilliant!!!

[Soo]

The chats on AV makes me want to re-read them! Yay!

Today has been a day of reading LMS and listening to music vs audiobooks. A nice little change. 😃

[Julian]

@Soo If you ever get the chance and don't mind things being a little creepy, Soma has an amazing storyline worth playing (only lasts like 5-6 hours).

[Soo]

Thanks, Julian! I'll keep that in mind. I like horror stories, etc.

[Nirkatze]

Sounds like a nice relaxing day, Soo! Would love to have you in a reread too!

@Julian--I'm tempted by the video game description. :) I'm really bad at playing games though--I tend to add things to my library and never touch them... >.<

Pausing on AV for tonight. Will pick up again tomorrow.

[Soo]

- Constance Verity Destroys the Universe #3 -- There's a GR Giveaway. Go and enter now, friends!

- I didn't read any of the books I thought I'd read yesterday. Woo for throwing out plans and going with the flow! Hahah!

- Will be starting our Monday BR, TTDD (Time Travel Dominick Davidner) in a bit. I like that these books are kinda short and sweet. Easy to read in a day. =D

[Julian]

@Nirkatze it's basically a walking simulator. You can play it on easy mode and just enjoy the story.

[Tonari no Emily]

Ooh i totally wanna pick up the Andrea Vernon series now... maybe in a couple days :)

Reading the third Middle Falls today (TTT then TTM now TTD LOL)
Through chapter 15 and (view spoiler)[ if this goes through a lot of the same as the second one ill be disappointed and bored... (hide spoiler)]

[Soo]

TTDD: I like how casually romantic & normal the story started out.

I don't think I've met the next book person yet. Or maybe it already happened?!?! Next one is about Nathaniel Moon.

DD's view of what happened in #3 isn't bad, and I thought it was a good way of showing a different perspective without saying the same stuff.

Not sure how I feel about DD going after his true love. Heh

The Immortals & Carrie raise more questions than answers.

[Choko]

AV 1... Up to Ch 17... (view spoiler)[ I think AV and the BX are adorable together, but she is so afraid of commitment, she is kind of a bitch with him ...

In one of the earlier chapters, I loved when they had to go to the Super-villain jail and whole scene of scare them straight:):):) Hahaha! I loved everything about it!

The way Professor Hm, Actually accesses his superpowers and his annoying levels are so funny! And the space puppy is so adorafying!!! Terrridorable!!!

Her brother is a hypocrite, but I guess that is typical for all politicians... And Hector is a total douche! (hide spoiler)]

[Tonari no Emily]

Don't think we know Nathaniel Moon yet...

[Choko]

AV 1 Ch 19... The message Rabbi Diamond's mom left for him was precious! And, I am ashamed to say, I would be thinking exactly the same questions about how Rabbi Diamond ... works, biologically, as Andrea:)))

[Soo]

TTDD #3: I'm done.

- Good wrap up for the characters we met. I liked the way people & events are connected together. It wasn't necessarily done in a manner that I expected.
- This story was not as moving as others. Perhaps because it's a fictionalized love story that the author sorta of experienced in real life. lol

Next book will be introducing new characters into the plot.

Immortals/The Machine: (view spoiler)[I'm going to be the one that kinda wished the Immortals had stayed a bit more mysterious and distant. Though, I can see the series moving towards a good for all type of arc.

I hope we find out more about the shining bright figure that helped Carrie. (hide spoiler)]

[Tonari no Emily]

Just finished as well, Soo.

-Right? I wasn't expecting Thomas to show up here.
-Agreed it didn't pull on my heart strings as much as the other two.. But I appreciated that the author basically wrote a love story for his wife haha

I also liked how it got a little meta there with Thomas's book xD

Carrie (view spoiler)[ I wasn't really expecting the Immortals to give Carrie's way a shot.. Wonder if Emily/Emillion will have her all her memories when she goes back.. (hide spoiler)]

[Tonari no Emily]

Just started AV.. i love this concept already. This is seriously hillarious!

[Soo]

TTDD:

Emily - (view spoiler)[I liked how Emily was the immortal that was returned to the cycle and that she had dreams about her lives before.

Do you think she will appreciate going back to the immortal side? She had several good lives with DD. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Glad you're joining us Emily!

AV1 Chapter 13--(view spoiler)[poor Andrea, her system is failing her here.

I'm also leaning toward Cthulian creatures for boss folks. (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

AV1 through Chapter 16--I want to high-five Andrea for her comeback to her brother at the end.

[Nirkatze]

Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[Refreshing traditional gender role reversal in relationship. Though I feel for both of them.

And government is a "canoe being eaten by termites." lol

And on sushi--it is finger food (or at least, not with chopsticks), and is usually eaten whole, with the topping side toward the tongue, from what I understand. So go Andrea! (hide spoiler)]

Loved your thoughts, Choko!

[Soo]

I never thought of sushi as finger food. I have to think about that one. I mean, it can be, but I think of finger food as side dishes or snacks for the most part for buffet style eating.

[Soo]

Yay! Another county near me has a digital library card that's good for 5 years. Signed up for it and added it to Overdrive. I like that in Overdrive, I can be logged into several libraries and it's easy to switch from one to another.

Looks like in Hoopla, I have to log into the library I want and change it each time I want to switch.

Also managed to get another temp card for the library I have on Hoopla. I probably won't try to get another one after this one expires.

[Choko]

TTDD 3... Up to Ch 15...(view spoiler)[ So, this is his first return to life, but his original lifeline didn't include the academy... This is the first time he meets Michael and, ooooohhhh, we get to spend some time with Max again!!!
I liked how Carrie got involved and at least saved the neighbors' life when DD crashed the car... She is a good egg! (hide spoiler)]

[Nirkatze]

Soo wrote: "I never thought of sushi as finger food. I have to think about that one. I mean, it can be, but I think of finger food as side dishes or snacks for the most part for buffet style eating."

lol, I guess that makes sense for the cultural feeling of "finger food"--I was going off of "finger food" as being food you eat with your hands--but then pizza and burgers would count for that too, wouldn't it?

Though...when I was in Japan, my host family treated sushi not unlike how pizza was treated growing up--a rare treat for special occasions. Though sushi is classier.

[Nirkatze]

I'm going to be reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Horse and His Boy this week--is anyone interested in joining me?

[Choko]

I haven't read the first one, otherwise I would have read it with you. Unless you are willing to wait for me to read the first one:)

[Nirkatze]

Do you mean The Magician's Nephew? Personally, I'd recommend reading Lion first--Nephew was actually the sixth book written, and Lewis wrote it more to answer questions readers had about the origins of the world. Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first book he wrote in the Narnia series. I'd be happy to chat them either way! I'd love to have company.

And Horse, while the 5th book written, actually takes place during Lion, so when I do my rereads I usually slot it right in there after the first. Also, it's my favorite one.

[Soo]

Narnia re-read is tempting, but I'm going to resist doing too many re-reads. I already have a few lined up to do. May have to bump them down too.

Going to try to work the FBR March theme in and read older audiobooks that I've had and didn't read yet.