July 2024 – Ryan’s Book Blog

The Sunlit Man

July 30, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in March of 2024, “The Sunlit Man” by Brandon Sanderson is set in the expansive Cosmere universe, focusing on a character known as Nomad. The story follows Nomad as he flees from the relentless Night Brigade, skipping from one planet to another to evade capture. He finds himself trapped on Canticle, a harsh planet where the sun’s intense heat can incinerate anyone caught in its rays. The planet’s inhabitants must constantly move to survive, creating a unique and dangerous environment.

Nomad is drawn into a conflict between a tyrant known as the Cinder King and a group of rebels fighting for freedom. As he struggles with the burden of his past and his dwindling powers, Nomad faces a perilous choice: escape the planet or stand and fight. The novel explores themes of survival, redemption, and the moral complexities of power.

My Thoughts

Another very interesting world and societal concept and an old friend from Roshar. (I have to admit, I was a little giddy when he ended the spear kata with “Bridge Four!”)

This was a fun book of nonstop action and ultimately the redemption of the hero. This was a great book that was relatively quick, but I don’t know that I would have liked it as much if I hadn’t read the Stormlight Archives.

Recommendation

A good read, particularly if you’ve read Sanderson’s other books.

A Mighty Fortress

July 26, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2009, “A Mighty Fortress,” is the fourth book of the Safehold series by David Weber, the kingdom of Charis continues its battle against the oppressive Church of God Awaiting. As the war intensifies, Emperor Cayleb Ahrmahk and Empress Sharleyan face internal and external threats, striving to unite their people and advance their technological capabilities. Merlin Athrawes, the cybernetic avatar with ancient knowledge, plays a crucial role in guiding their efforts. Amidst political intrigue, epic battles, and personal sacrifices, the fate of Safehold hinges on their resilience and determination to forge a new path for humanity.

My Thoughts

Still more characters and plots are added to the mix. The group of four continue to go down the wrong road, but one of them shows some promise. The heir is born and the Empire continues to kick everyone’s rear with all of their technological advances.

I found myself getting bored of the story during this book. Naval battle has never interested me that much and it is less so in such a one sided fight. There were some good things that happened, but I found myself getting irritated with some of the characters. For example, the relationship of Cayleb and Sharleyan is too easy. It’s just a little too smooth and picturesque. Particularly, for people who are use to getting their way all the time. Still, I will continue to read the series.

Recommendation

A bit slow and long. However, it is the next link in the series.

Education of a Wandering Man

July 23, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1989, “Education of a Wandering Man,” by Louis L’Amour offers an autobiographical account of his unconventional path to becoming a celebrated author. This memoir chronicles L’Amour’s early years of adventure, from “hoboing” during the Great Depression to traveling the world as a merchant seaman and prizefighter. Alongside his physical journeys, L’Amour shares his lifelong passion for self-education through reading, documenting the diverse books and experiences that shaped his worldview. This book provides an inspiring glimpse into the formative years of one of America’s great storytellers.

My Thoughts

This book was very unexpected as I only knew L’Amour from his writings. (And second hand at that!) He references so many books that I lost track of where I might want to start next. Thankfully, there is a list of the books he mentioned at the back of the book.

L’Amour lived an interesting life to say the least. There isn’t much of his later years, but what he covered does adequately surmise his views on what an education is and how to get one. In short, it takes effort on the part of the learner and it never ends. I agree with that view wholeheartedly.

Recommendation

I bit much to plow through but it was enjoyable.

Sackett’s Land

July 19, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1974, “Sackett’s Land,” by Louis L’Amour begins in the 17th century, where Barnabas Sackett, a young poor Englishman with a thirst for adventure, finds himself fleeing from a dangerous altercation with a nobleman. Leaving behind the marshy fenlands of his home, he embarks on a perilous journey across the Atlantic to the New World. There, amidst the untamed wilderness and burgeoning colonial settlements, Sackett must navigate treacherous encounters, build alliances, and carve out a place for himself in the vast, uncharted land, laying the foundations for the Sackett family he hopes to have in the future.

My Thoughts

I love a good story about honor, integrity, and doing the right thing. It feels like the world was against young Barnabas, but as the hero, he somehow made it through it all while keeping his dignity clean. (He even gets the girl in the end.) Who could ask for more?

Of course, this is the first book of a long series. A friend of mine recommended it to me and my father loved Louis L’amour. I have to say, I was impressed.

Recommendation

A good book to start a series.

By Heresies Distressed

July 15, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2009, “By Heresies Distressed,” by David Weber, is the third installment of the Safehold series. The struggle for technological advancement on the planet Safehold continues as the kingdom of Charis, led by King Cayleb Ahrmahk and aided by the cybernetic avatar Merlin Athrawes, battles against the tyrannical Church of God Awaiting. The conflict intensifies with alliances forming and enemies scheming, the fate of Charis and the future of Safehold hang in the balance. Cayleb and Merlin must navigate political intrigue, warfare, and the secrets of the past to secure a brighter future for humanity.

My Thoughts

Weber has effectively pushed into a much more complicated narrative as more characters and complications arise. The world of “Safehold” continues to get more texture and depth as the narrative interacts with new nations and all the corresponding complexities. There are so many possibilities with the story and I haven’t been disappointed as of yet.

Recommendation

So far so good!

The Sling and the Stone

July 12, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2004, “The Sling and the Stone,” is a comprehensive exploration of modern warfare and the evolution of conflict in the 21st century. Authored by Colonel Thomas X. Hammes, the book challenges conventional military strategies and highlights the increasing relevance of irregular warfare and insurgency tactics in contemporary conflicts. Drawing on historical examples and extensive research, Hammes examines the strengths and weaknesses of both conventional and unconventional approaches to warfare, offering insights into how nations and armed forces can adapt to effectively combat non-traditional threats.

My Thoughts

I’m amazed at how well this book has held up as it is over 20 years old. Of course, much has changed particularly with Al-Qaeda as the book was written before the Arab Spring. Still, it gave valuable insight into the Middle East and their varied intertwining histories. It is interesting even today that most people conceive of war in terms of nation states and battlefields. We have moved into a completely new paradigm, particularly now even our Marines have divested themselves from traditional armor and artillery. It’s a brave new world out there and I hope we are ready for it.

It was very interesting to see how the vision of 20 years ago gave seed to the Marine “Force Design 2030” and similar measures. Also, I really enjoyed the idea of modern warfighters playing MMORPGs to ready themselves for 4th generation war. Maybe all that time in my life wasn’t wasted after all.

Recommendation

An older read, but surprisingly relevant.

By Schism Rent Asunder

July 11, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2008, “By Schism Rent Asunder” by David Weber is the 2nd novel in his “Safehold” series. Having battled back the heads of the Church of God awaiting, the King of Charis is forced to prepare for the next steps in the war. In open defiance to the church, Charis names their own spiritual leaders and attempts to gain alliances wherever they can. Merlin Athrawes, the android with the memories of Nimue Alban, continues to give them the edge they need to keep going.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book more than the last as Weber has had some time to deepen the backstories and give the characters more personality. Caleb is still a little too pristine for me and I expected some jealousy from Merlin toward the queen, but that was another pleasant surprise.

Recommendation

Even better than the last.

Defiant

July 7, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in June of 2024, “Defiant” by Brandon Sanderson, is the conclusion to the Skyward series. Having pushed the Superiority back on their heels, Spensa must now confront the ultimate enemy: the ancient, powerful Delvers who threaten all sentient life. With her friends and allies by her side, she battles not only external forces but also her own inner demons. As the final showdown approaches, Spensa learns more about herself and is forced to face enemies on multiple fronts.

My Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised that Spensa was dialed back from her overpowered state. Yes, she still saved the day and so on but pulling the delver out of her seemed to level the playing field a little bit. Given that it is written toward younger readers, it can be forgiven for it’s glossing over an entire galaxy’s worth of people, logistics and so on. However, I did enjoy the ending. All and all, it was a fun series if you are willing to suspend a bit of reality.

Recommendation

It is worth the time to read.

Off Armageddon Reef

July 5, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2007, “Off Armageddon Reef” by David Weber, is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where humanity has been nearly annihilated by an alien race. The remnants of mankind have fled to a distant planet, Safehold, where they must hide and rebuild civilization under strict, regressive technological restrictions imposed by a totalitarian religion. When a secret plan to reintroduce advanced technology is set in motion by the last of Earth’s defenders, an android named Nimue, who is reborn as a young woman named Merlin, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. As Merlin navigates the treacherous politics and religious fanaticism of Safehold, she must ignite the spark of enlightenment and lead a revolution to reclaim mankind’s destiny among the stars.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this take on a dystopian future. The merging of both futuristic and archaic technologies opens all kinds of potentially interesting story lines. Also, it’s interesting to see how Weber decided how much cultural and linguistic drift influenced the societies on Safehold.

Recommendation

I liked it and will continue on with the other books.