Two Envelopes And A Phone > Recent Status Updates

I continue to give Rohmer a bit of my time - but I’m staying away from the Fu Manchu novels for the foreseeable future and taking my chances with a few other things. This has not thrown anything at me that has Not Aged Well; the story is fast-paced and exciting. The Egyptian ‘baddies’ have only absconded with something that was originally taken from Egypt anyway (though someone almost died…).

One chapter done (and the Intro). Okay - so this is gonna be pretty hardcore, pretty disturbing. Handmaid's Tale vibes, of course - maybe a bit like Walk to the End of the World by Charnas. Then there's The Iron Dream, by Spinrad. A little Hunger Games, perhaps? But it's a Nazi dystopia...published all the way back in 1937! This writer...she was dialed in, that is for sure.

Basically 100 pages to go, which means tonight should clinch it. I like it, but a lot will depend on the final stretch. Explanations, revelations - the book could probably use some jolts, get off the slow burn; but it really depends on: what is going on with Julie for real, can Elise be trusted as a narrator, and what the heck is up with this place they are staying at (and won't leave).

First book I’ve ever ordered from “across the Pond”. There are a few reasons to take a break from ordering from the USA…and there are a few SF books, among other things, that only really seem to be available if I reach all the way over from Canada, to the UK. This year may be about that; we’ll see. I expected this book about two weeks from now, so that bodes well. Delivery was quick!

I’ve barely cracked it open, but I like the style, I already want to know what happened to Julie, via Elise’s narration…so let’s go!

It’s official now, that I am re-discovering Jack Williamson, one of the earliest SF (and Fantasy) authors I started reading. It’s fitting that I’m going after some of his books right when I am doing some Perry Rhodan re-reads. Some nostalgia - return-to-childhood picks - are making me young(ish) again. The first two stories were fun - I don’t say perfect, but I do say I’m in the mood for what this author offers.

Lots of little reveals that have filled in what has really been going on, and - unless anything flips again - who is on what side. Shall finish it tonight. A different sort of spy novel, that's for sure. Bonus is the whodunit angle.

I am absolutely loving this - astonishingly good. A strong chance this will be my favourite by the author (so far).

This showed up on my Update feed, as being read and then reviewed by Dave…and then I went to a Used bookstore and spotted it. It seemed like a hint. So this book will get a little action at the website, and then probably disappear again. But I’m always up for a vintage Spy Thriller.

Attention, Everyone: The next chapter in this book is called 'The Most Critical Moment in the Entire History of the Human Race'. There. Top that. And don't say I didn't warn you. Anyway, my recollection was that this was a rather dull Perry Rhodan entry (Chapter 5 would disagree!), but it has heated up a bit, after the first 50 pages. Our solar system has gone to a war footing, so, y'know, that's not dull.