Michael Sands > Recent Status Updates

I don't know why these stories are so compelling but the characters feel just real enough to actually lose yourself in the faux interviews. Really enjoying this so far. The beginnings of the zombie apocalypse are often the best parts so I'll keep myself from expecting too much.

Getting into the geological weeds now. Still interesting.

Feels like the written version of the Cosmos TV show so far. I like it!

In the weeds now but still interesting.

Good start. Sniper's Choice, Swarm drones and Asimov out the gates.

Might be just my mood for taking in information at this point but I almost wish I was reading an abridged version of this book. Its interesting but heavy on the examples. By the time you get to a conclusion, you really wish he would not have gone so long without taking the time to explore the really interesting implications.

Finally getting to see more of the world. Character(s) are starting to grow on me. Still occasionally bewildered by the vocabulary and writing style. I've reread many a paragraph (and, when it works, having an instant dictionary in an ereader is priceless at times like these.) The style is actually quite unique but I wouldn't recommend it as an entry point to the fantasy genre for sure.

Finally getting some history for some much needed connection to this world. Starting to get easier to read as well. No clue about or if I should like any of characters yet.

This last one read like fantasy's food channel but it was at least entertaining.

Well my brain isn't wrapping around this imitation-olde writing style very quickly. Lots of in-world terminology that isn't helping either. Still I see the building blocks of a slow start to... something. Hope it speeds up a bit.

How is this keeping me so hooked!? Every scene builds on the previous but many of the scenes seem entirely unrelated as they start out. Sidenote: there have been a relatively low number of POC and many of them have been jerks...

I can't tell you where this is going but it's so bloody compelling every chapter.

Kinda dark. Weird but just off-normal enough to keep me hooked so far.

Ok getting more interesting (and less intangible)

So we're on Polynesia and for some reason all I can hear in my head is the Moana soundtrack. It's a bit more violent than the movie though... History viewed in fast forward shows a pretty crazy time of human existence on these islands.

There is something special about reading a fictional memo to a government employee about toilet paper use in the office.

Although I'm relatively comfortable with the themes and references made in this series so far I am still not sure if I'm enjoying it. It's possible the stories themselves are a little too vague or esoteric for my tastes.

Almost lost me at his moment of rekindling but immediately brought it back to a well grounded approach to moving forward. Looking forward to the rest. Still like looking in a mirror occasionally. Especially the concept of two minds.

My worries were almost immediately dispelled and this is beginning to be an incredibly interesting dive into human history.

Interesting but socially dangerous premise. You have to immediately wonder about the motivations behind studies/research in the area of "why one culture thrived while others did not". Can easily see this going in strange directions based on 'evidence'.

I haven't had the same experiences this guy has had but at some points throughout his story it's like looking through a mirror. Some of these moments he shares are either 100% applicable to my journey or at least things I worry about when speaking to believers. Very interested in how he continues the story from this point.

Finally got a tangible hook in me beyond the vibe. I'm a sucker for rewritten history/conspiracy in fiction.

Brandon you nerd. All the pieces coming together beautifully. Every moment feels important. Now just stick the landing...

Relatable and emotional beginning. Still waiting for the meat of it but I feel like I'm going to agree with a lot of his conclusions.

Finally some more creative uses of the power. Subtle for sure but this series really is short on someone nerding out thinking of cool things to do with all that freedom.

Immediately wrong about one of my predictions. Still functionally a similar set piece but still. Things are heating up again and it's nice to see some lovable side characters getting some great moments as well.

"I'm just a blacksmith" huh? Perrin finally getting his moment. Or at least A moment.