Vagabond Treehouse (2023) [Beware of Chicken 3 - December 4th] Showing 4,401-4,450 of 5,829

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Smart Audiobook Player for Android and Greenlit Audiobook Player for Apple tend to be the goto apps for speeding up past 2x speed without distortion… I think they cost $2?

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I like Michael Connelly, but I read him before I got big into reading again… him and Jack Reacher… 2011-2012…

I haven’t had much success with other department store authors… the ones big enough to appear in any random store…

I tried Alex Cross once, and the first book was very dated and heavy on racial slurs and stereotypes, I think…

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Went back and listened to the interview… it definitely touched on a number of things I mentioned about this story…

And Hurwitz was coy about the next book… but I expect to see some book news in the next month or 2, whether it’s Orphan X news or another book/series for 2024…

[Soo]

I bet the next book from Hurwitz will be the start of a new series.

I tend to not pay for pre-orders on Audible. I just put them on Wish List & then buy it when I get the release notice.

I have 9 more credits I need to use up by end of the month. My Audible membership will renew in March. I wanna get books that I'm excited about, but most of those are pre-orders. I kinda want get books I can get now and read when I feel like it. XD

[Choko]

Thank you, Iain:)))

[Soo]

I figured out how to rate on Audible App. It's super stupid. You get sent to the Book Page, need to scroll down to reviews, then click on Review to rate. Blah

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Was the popup on finishing a book causing issues?… the rate and review options popup for me during the last 30 seconds of a book…

[Soo]

New update to app sends you to the Book Page instead. Not sure why this change was done. I may complain about it. No more popup for rating at end of audio now.

You're sent to the Book Page, need to scroll down to Reviews, click on Leave a Review & then put in rating.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I only just updated for the first time in months, a few weeks ago… app started to complain with a popup at the top of my library screen that I was super put of date…

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Halfway through Drowned Country… the straightforwardness, and how easy it os to let the story go in one ear and out the other is kinda detracting from the story, for me… even as I find the vampire plot interesting, and the flip in character roles from the end of the first book…

Hopefully the narrative structure/narrator proves better in the new release full length novel in May/June…

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Maybe I just don’t appreciate stories that get praised for prose?…

Finished… it’s impressive how each short story manages to include 2 stories/episodes…

(view spoiler)[book 1 has the setup and Fabian… book 2 has the vampire and the faerie queen… (hide spoiler)]

Did lots of reading today… nearly 30hrs of audio at 2.7-2.8x speed… reading overload…

[Soo]

lol Ya can slow it down. =D

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Since I finished cleaning my stuff, it’s basically watch youtube vids, listen to books and do sudoku/puzzles, or
Sleep, in my hotel… definitely looking forward to returning home and having 24/7 PC… altho I got an ever-growing backlog of spreadsheet maintenance/updates and goodreads ratings/reviews to do…

[Tonari no Emily]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Finished the first book of the duology… it’s a pretty straightforward story… altho some surprising things happen… also short… only about 1/3 of the audiobook…"

Yeah the first book I liked well enough.. I like the fairy/mythical aspects of it. Enjoyed the next one ALOT more. Not sure why I liked it so much honestly haha

[Tonari no Emily]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Maybe I just don’t appreciate stories that get praised for prose?…

Finished… it’s impressive how each short story manages to include 2 stories/episodes…

[spoilers removed]

Did lots of reading to..."

Usually I don't either, but I think the characters grew on me even if they weren't fully fleshed out (view spoiler)[ I really liked Silver's mother, she was not as I expected from when Silver first spoke about her. She was honestly pretty BA! :D

I was also surprised at Silver's reaction to Maude being so self-sufficient and acting "masculine" given what his mother does... He has such a good example of a strong woman and was surprised to see another?

But Silver thinking he would go rescue this woman and she already beheaded the vampire and ground up his bones for... well drugs really.. was great xD

Then the whole scary fairy plot. I love scary fairies, that's the best way to do them because they really are so alien!

And now Silver is freed from the woods and can go do cute things with Tobias and I really hope there's another novella about ghosts coming with the whole fam! (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I kinda hope for a third one too

[Soo]

Iain, you can connect your phone to most current TVs via bluetooth or cable & use an external travel keyboard+mouse. That's an easy travel desktop.

Browsers on phone work in desktop mode & you should be able to do basically anything ya did on pc on your phone.

If you like having external keyboard/mouse/etc.

There's always the stylus to write on screen if you have the series that has that function.

I generally do everything without connecting to TV/monitor for larger screen on phone. Best thing about a good smartphone is that it's basically a nice computer on the go.

[Narilka]

Soo wrote: "Iain, you can connect your phone to most current TVs via bluetooth or cable & use an external travel keyboard+mouse. That's an easy travel desktop.

Browsers on phone work in desktop mode & you sho..."

How did I never know this??? Wow. Thanks Soo!

[Soo]

Forge of Destiny, Volume 1 is currently on Audible Plus. There were enough interesting elements for me to take a chance & buy Vol2. I'll let ya'll know what I think about it.

[Nirkatze]

Has anyone read Beast Mage - Mana Beasts Book One? The Kickstarter for the sequel just started, and I'm wondering if it's worth it... I like supporting indie authors, but I also don't want to invest in a physical copy if I wouldn't enjoy it... and I trust y'all's reviews...

[Soo]

Nirkatze wrote: "Has anyone read Beast Mage - Mana Beasts Book One? The Kickstarter for the sequel just started, and I'm wondering if it's worth it... I like supporting indie authors, but I also don..."

Never seen that one before. Book on Amazon isn't the same as the link you posted. I don't mind supporting Indie writers, but I won't support one on Kickstarter/Patreon without knowing the writing style & quality first.

Like, I'd go look for that person's fanfic/webserial post of the story, read it to figure out if you like it and then decide if you want to buy the physical book or not.

[Nirkatze]

Good advice, thank you. I did see that the audiobook narrator is Travis Baldree, and I have really enjoyed his narration at least, regardless of writing quality...

[Soo]

Travis Baldree is great, but he narrates a lot of bad books. XD
You'll go broke getting books just cause Baldree or Nick Podehl. I've definitely done my fair share of getting audiobooks because they/others did the narration & regretted it.

It is interesting to note that they both do a good job narrating a story regardless of story/book quality. BUT! You can tell that they aren't engaged by the story. There are less emotional tones to the overall narration. They both use different character voices & all that but there's a detached vibe from the way the story is told.

[Soo]

@Iain & Brian, I got the latest Gray Man, Burner. I'll either read it later today or start tomorrow. =D

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Got Burner too... Similar plans... Haven't seen Brian's comments on the 2nf half of Last Orphan or Desert Star...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Tried fiddling with Hotel TV today... Remote sucks... Not sure it's the original... With the on-tv buttons I can open a home menu, but can't seem to scroll to the internet button... Or any of the other options...

[Brian]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Got Burner too... Similar plans... Haven't seen Brian's comments on the 2nf half of Last Orphan or Desert Star..."

I commented on Desert Star (above a ways) a bit ago. Really enjoyed it and need to go back and read the rest I missed at some point.

Orphan X was great too. Love Scott Brick as narrator . It did seem like it might be an end to the series (I HOPE NOT). Soo was right, the fight scenes are really well done and could be my fav Orphan book so far.

Burner: I will start today as well but I have a super busy day so might not get much listening in. My pre-order came in.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Probably just missed it or forgot... Last I remember, you were sick and behind on reading ...

[Brian]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Probably just missed it or forgot... Last I remember, you were sick and behind on reading ..."

LOL. All good. I enjoyed Desert Star a lot. I went and put some other Connelly books in my TBR pile now. Whenever I can fit them in

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Started Burner… lots of characters, new and old… definitely questioning the identity of some random characters (Dale)

And did the narrator’s voice for Susanne Brewer change, or is my memory fuzzy?…

[Narilka]

I need some recommendations...

I'd like another cozy fantasy like the Wizard's Butler to listen to once I finish up Small Medium. What else do you guys recommend?

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

The Wizard's Butler guy does alit of cozy scifi with coffee and interplanetary trade...

My knowledge in scifi is limited, beyond a few books like House on the Cerulean Sea, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Legend & Lattes, etc... What does GR list as similar?

I think Wandering Inn has alot of cozy slice of life elements, but it also has periods of heavy action/tragedy as well...

[Tonari no Emily]

Hmm Under the Whispering Door, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Hunt the Stars, The Goblin Emperor all give me cozy vibes to some extent.

Also if you want something humorous, while not super cozy but I really loved it was Orlando People

[Soo]

Narilka wrote: "I need some recommendations...

I'd like another cozy fantasy like the Wizard's Butler to listen to once I finish up Small Medium. What else do you guys recommend?"

Slice of Life with fun elements have been my "cozy entertainment" books. Along the lines of Legends & Lattes or Wandering Inn. Slice of Life with a dash of action/adventure/romance/etc.

- Oh Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer 2 Books out.
- Beware of Chicken: A Xianxia Cultivation Novel 2nd Audio coming out soon. I read 2 & most of 3 on Royal Road.
- Jake's Magical Market

I know I know more but I haven't been updating GR with my reads, so I'm like, where's the info on these books I read? XD

[Mel]

Tonari no Emily wrote: "Hmm Under the Whispering Door, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Hunt the Stars, [book:The Goblin Em..."

Jumping in to say Emily I'm adding Hunt the Stars to my TBR, based on the other books you've grouped it with. :)

[Nirkatze]

Goodreads sent out a list of Cozy Fantasy in their newsletter a couple weeks ago:
https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...

Good comments too.

[Nirkatze]

Mel wrote: "Tonari no Emily wrote: "Hmm Under the Whispering Door, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, A Psalm for the Wild-Built, [book:Hunt the Stars|567547..."

I liked Hunt the Stars during last years GR choice reads. If you read it and want to continue in the series let me know! I haven't read the other yet... I think there's three so far? Or two and a novella? Two and a novella, with third book forthcoming...

[Tonari no Emily]

I'd want to continue the series too! Just not... anytime soon lol

[Nirkatze]

LOL Well, book threeCapture the Sun is supposedly out in May, so we can always take another look then..

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Burner 40%: more and more complicated… (view spoiler)[seems backwards, that Zoya is the one trying to get an asset to America, and Gentry is the one set to kill him & recover the data… I’m sure things will get more complicated once Court runs into Zoya and gets more intel…

And I haven’t even mentioned how Suzanne is playing things, Court’s handler, and the secrets about how they’re pretending to hunt HIM to get access to CIA intel… I’m sure that’s going to blow up in his face, and ruin any chances of getting the kill order rescinded… (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Butner 60%: (view spoiler)[that train fight was kinda hilarious… the chances of crashing through the window right into Zoya, not realizing, continuing to fight… then when the fight is almost over, and they’re pummeling each other as the last ones standing, and finally realize who they are, Alex punts Court out the open train door… priceless… (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Burner 98%: (view spoiler)[typical hectic ending... Rushing to NYC gave me late season Jack Bauer / 24 vibes...

Sad to see so many of the trying to be good guys getting killed... And Zoya is severely injured...

But I am SO STOKED that Suzanne Brewer is dead dead dead ... I've wanted her to die in a fire since she was introduced, basically... And especially for the last couple books...

Wonder where the story will go next with her out of the picture, and maybe the director... Maybe Henley and this new mid-level exec can pick up the pieces (if killing Brewer doesn't break her... She's kinda catatonic right now)... (hide spoiler)]

Another great entry for me ... Just need to finish the last 5 minutes and see how things settle/end...

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Burner 100%: (view spoiler)[ this felt more like a possible end/pause point for the series than Last Orphan did for Orphan X...

Lacey is moving up in the CIA, Brewer and Director Kirby are gone, Gentry and Zoya agreed to run away together (Bourne Identity vibes ... Hopefully she fairs better than the French girl in the next Bourne movie) (hide spoiler)]

[Narilka]

Several rec's have caught my eye, thanks!

How much romance is in Hunt the Stars?

[Soo]

Started Burner. The opening made me laugh with the silly word play.

LoL - Is it just me or does the story seem more cheeky?

[Nirkatze]

Narilka wrote: "Several rec's have caught my eye, thanks!

How much romance is in Hunt the Stars?"

It's a romance SF. I rather like the way it was done though--a lot of romances get eye-rolls from me, or are too emo, but I rather liked this one.

[Tonari no Emily]

Agree with Nirkatze! There was also enough other plot to get into.

[Soo]

Burner - Just finished a few minutes ago.

Thoughts:
- Great, cheeky intro.
- Everything was pretty predictable & seemed to rely on movie story go with it mentality. Mid part was very dry for me. Train bit came up a bit too late. Felt like too much focus was on Z drama.
- Fav action sequences are all towards the end for me.
- Evil B - 100% with Iain. XD
- Future Thoughts: (view spoiler)[Now that B is out of the picture, it'll be fun to have Lacey in the higher ups & giving our dude GM a hand. I feel like she's too naive/blind to survive the shark infested waters but one can hope! The biggest baddies were always the higher up, "legit" people in power of government & businesses. So, I'll be down to see how far the "latest revealed" bad guy's rot will go.

I want Z to die. She's useless & GM needs to believe he deserves better than her. Bwahah (hide spoiler)]

[Soo]

The Doors of Eden - I wanted a genre jump. Figured this will hit the SF spot. The words are fine but the narration is making my ears bleed. Narrator is making drawn out S sound. Even when there's no words with S!!!!

*dumps book back into TBR, looks for another one*

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

We're spoiled, with Orphan X books releasing around the same time each year, to compare to... I'm much more on board with Evan +Mia/Peter, but doubt Greanry has any plans to dump Zoya, unless (view spoiler)[ this ending shows why they wouldn't work long term... Moving in together ... Shacking up... Much different than the high octane mission moments they're used to... (hide spoiler)]