What I’m currently reading…
Judge Dredd Year One
I know these 2000AD novels aren’t what you would call mainstream reads for book lovers, since their origins were established in comics, but I love this world. So I’m indulging myself.
Cascade Failure by L.M. Sagas (2024)
I was around halfway through chapter two when I realised this book was already a five-star read.
The Haunting of Tram Car 015 P. Djèlí Clark (2019)
This book is the second published offering in the alternate Cairo of 1912 series. This time out we join a new cast of characters from the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, and although I was hoping to revisit with Agent Fatma, from the first book, I quickly came to enjoy this new duo.
Lock In by John Scalzi (2014)
This book feels quite different right from the opening, from a reading point of view. With a heavy focus on character interaction and dialogue, and almost no mental insight of character emotion. It all feels very unique and intriguing, at first.
Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells (2021)
Well, it's Murderbot, so you know it's going to be good, even before starting reading.
And we're back to the tried and trusted format of a novella again, thankfully.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (2015)
I really enjoyed this book, or at least most of it, but I was spitting nails right at the end. Let me explain.
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowel (2018)
I have to admit I struggled with keeping up my interest while reading this. It's a good book, and nicely written, but for me, it just divided my attention too much.
A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djèlí Clark (2016)
If you'd explained the content of this book, the entities involved and even the setting, I'm pretty sure I would have said 'No thanks, not for me.'
Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear (2015)
Ok, another book I have a love-hate relationship with.
But don't get me wrong, this is a good book. It has an interesting cast of characters, an intriguing location and a really nice flow to the story.
Network Effect by Martha Wells (2020)
This is a tough one to write.
I absolutely loved all four Murderbot novellas, and desperately wanted this full-length novel to be as good, or even better. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (2018)
Yet another cracking read!
But I have to admit this is probably my least favourite, not saying it's bad, not at all, it just felt a bit different.
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (2018)
'Rogue Protocol' reconnects with the first instalment, 'All Systems Red' which is a good thing. Although the story and flow are actually very similar to that book, which isn't such a good thing
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu (2006)
Unfortunately, I'm having to call it a day at page 208 for this one.