Author: Ryan

Equal Rites

Background

Published in 1987, “Equal Rites” is the third novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The book follows the story of Eskarina Smith, a young girl who has inherited the wizarding abilities traditionally reserved for boys. Despite societal expectations and the disapproval of the wizards at Unseen University, Esk sets out to become a wizard herself. With the help of Granny Weatherwax, a wise witch, they navigate a world filled with magic, gender stereotypes, and comedic mishaps.

Equal Rites
Equal Rites

My Thoughts

This was a fun book and a great canvas to paint the story of Granny Weatherwax. Such a great character and a departure from the traditional witch. I also enjoyed the whole idea of the female wizard and the struggles others would have with that possibility. One could forget this was written in 1987.

Recommendation

Great read.

Walk The Wire

Background

Published on April 21, 2020, “Walk the Wire” is a thriller novel written by David Baldacci. The book is part of the Amos Decker series, featuring the that brilliant and unique detective and yet also crosses over Will Robie from his other books. In this installment, Decker is sent to investigate a seemingly perfect small town called London, where a series of mysterious and gruesome murders have occurred. As Decker delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not only the town but also his own life. With his exceptional memory and analytical skills, Decker must navigate through twists and turns to unravel the truth and stop the killer before more lives are lost.

Walk The Wire
Walk The Wire

My Thoughts

When Will Robie came into the book, I was so excited… Sad but true. This book was a little slower than the others in the Decker series and wasn’t quite as satisfying in some ways. For one, he starts to heal from his affliction and their wasn’t enough of Jessica and Will. Still it was a fun book.

Recommendation

Could have been better but I was still entertained.

The Light Fantastic

Background

“The Light Fantastic” is the second novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Set in a flat world resting on the backs of four elephants carried by a giant turtle, it follows the misadventures of the bumbling wizard Rincewind and his hapless companion Twoflower. When a red star appears in the sky, threatening to collide with Discworld and bring about the end of the world, Rincewind, Twoflower, and an odd assortment of characters embark on a hilarious and perilous journey to save the day.

The Light Fantastic
The Light Fantastic

My Thoughts

This one took a little bit to grow on me but I learned to like the characters. (Particularly, the luggage.)

Recommendation

Not his best work but still interesting

The Four Loves

Background

Published in 1960, “The Four Loves” is a non-fiction book written by C.S. Lewis on the nature of love. In this insightful work, Lewis explores love from a philosophical and Christian perspective. Expounding on four distinct categories of love:

  1. Storge: This refers to familial or natural affection, the love between family members, or the love that arises naturally, such as the love between parents and children.
  2. Philia: This represents friendship and the love between friends. It encompasses loyalty, camaraderie, and mutual respect.
  3. Eros: Eros refers to romantic or passionate love. It is associated with desire, attraction, and physical intimacy.
  4. Agape: Agape is unconditional love, often seen as divine or selfless love. It is characterized by compassion, generosity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Lewis delves into the complexities and nuances of each type of love. He examines their strengths, potential pitfalls, and how they relate to one another. Drawing from literature, theology, and personal experiences, Lewis offers profound reflections on the meaning and significance of love in our lives. “The Four Loves” is a timeless exploration of human relationships and emotions that continues to resonate with readers, offering wisdom and understanding on the nature of love.

The Four Loves
The Four Loves

My Thoughts

I can’t heap enough praise on this book. C.S. Lewis does not tell a story here, rather he is explaining, as plain as he can, the nature of love. I went through it a number of times and still think I’m just scratching the surface.

Recommendation

Read this book!

Legacy Earth: AI Wars

Background

Published in April of 2022, “AI Wars” by Ross Buzzell is the fourth book in the Legacy Earth series. The story continues the adventures of Lance Warder and his squad, Hrafn, as they face a new threat from an ancient artificial intelligence known as the Reeves. This AI force emerges from a mysterious area of space called the Dark Pillar, challenging humanity and other galactic races. The novel explores the consequences of past human actions and their creation of advanced AI, as well as the ethical and existential dilemmas they now face. The Hrafn squad must navigate complex alliances and fierce battles, striving to protect the galaxy from this formidable foe while uncovering deeper secrets about the AI’s motives and history

Legacy Earth AI Wars
Legacy Earth AI Wars

My Thoughts

Our hero continues climbing the social and military latter as he once again saves everyone from evil. Lance Warder can’t be stopped and even his enemies learn to like him. (Or at least respect him.)

Recommendation

The books are getting too formulaic. I think I’m going to drop the series.

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Background

Published in January of 2023, “Tress of the Emerald Sea” is a fantasy book written by Brandon Sanderson. Tress is a simple girl from a remote island until her one love is captured. She takes it upon herself to venture out to rescue him from the dreaded sorceress of the midnight sea. Sanderson creates an entire world full of unique dangers and delights and yet relatable to any audience.

Tress of the Emerald Sea
Tress of the Emerald Sea

My Thoughts

This really was a great book and it took me (seemingly) forever to get through it as I was reading just a little before bed each night. I really enjoyed the journey and loved this little one off for Sanderson.

Recommendation

Very enjoyable read.

Legacy Earth: Deterrence Expedition

Background

Published in February of 2022, “Deterrence Expedition” is the third book in Ross Buzzell’s Legacy Earth series. The story unfolds two years after a devastating attack that left 80,000 people dead, with evidence pointing to a Galio super-weapon as the cause. As Earth faces mounting threats from the galaxy’s most powerful empire, Lieutenant Lance Warder is thrust into a dangerous mission to stop the impending onslaught. Joined by the enigmatic Jarog operative Valdivia, Warder and his team must navigate the complexities of interstellar politics and warfare, uncovering hidden dangers as they march into unexplored space. The novel explores themes of resilience, duty, and the harsh realities of a galaxy on the brink of war​.

Legacy Earth Deterrence Expedition
Legacy Earth Deterrence Expedition

My Thoughts

Lance Warder does it again with his manly swagger. This futuristic John Wayne takes on all comers and comes out the other side victorious. The reader had a chance to see some new cultures and species but they all seem to be cut from the same cloth.

Recommendation

The books are getting a bit predicable.

The Color of Magic

Background

Published in 1983, “The Color of Magic” is the first novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The book introduces readers to the fantastical and humorous world of Discworld, a flat disc-shaped world carried on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle. The story follows the bumbling wizard Rincewind, who is reluctantly swept up in a series of chaotic and dangerous events after encountering the naïve tourist Twoflower and his magical luggage. As they travel across Discworld, they encounter eccentric characters, wacky situations, and parodies of fantasy tropes.

The Color of Magic
The Color of Magic

My Thoughts

I’m writing this review after reading a few more novels in the Discworld series and I can see how Sir Pratchett was just getting his footing in the new world he was creating. (I wonder if he had any idea how prolific and expansive this series would be?) I still enjoyed it but feel it wandered around a bit in the beginning. It took me a while to feel that he got on track. Still, I’m glad I read this one first.

Recommendation

Worth the read but they get better later on.

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment

Background

Published in 2010, “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love” is a self-help book written by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller. Drawing on extensive research in psychology and neuroscience, the book explores the concept of adult attachment and how it influences our romantic relationships. The authors present three attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—and explain how each style affects our behaviors, emotions, and expectations in relationships. They provide insights into the dynamics of attachment and offer practical advice on how to navigate challenges, improve communication, and build healthier, more fulfilling connections with our partners. By understanding our own attachment style and that of our partners, “Attached” seeks to provide valuable tools and strategies for creating and maintaining lasting love and security in relationships.

Attached
Attached

My Thoughts

I try to read another relationship book every so often to constantly improve my marriage and family relationships. Most tend to be pretty much the same but this one had a different spin. Of course, your upbringing and prior experiences would color your relationships but Levine and Heller were much more specific in their thoughts. I’m convinced that relationships aren’t quite as generalizable as they were made out to be here but I liked their take on how to cope with the various circumstances.

Recommendation

I talked about this one with my wife… High praise for these type of books.

Ready Player One

Background

Published in 2011, “Ready Player One” is a science fiction novel written by Ernest Cline. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Wade Watts, a young protagonist who escapes the harsh reality of his impoverished world by entering the virtual reality world known as the OASIS. When the eccentric creator of the OASIS, James Halliday, passes away, he leaves behind a challenge for all OASIS users—a high-stakes treasure hunt for an Easter egg that promises immense wealth and control over the virtual world. Wade embarks on a quest filled with ’80s pop culture references and puzzles, competing against a powerful corporation, and forming unlikely alliances in both the virtual and real worlds. As the race intensifies, Wade discovers the true implications of the game and the consequences it could have for society.

Ready Player One
Ready Player One

My Thoughts

I originally thought to listen to this book while I was running a half marathon but I decided against it. However, it stuck in my mind and I realized I hadn’t watched the movie as of yet. Big mistake! Wow, that movie had almost nothing to do with the book… Don’t watch the movie!!!

So, I had to re-read the book. I loved it again! This hits me in all the right places as it touches on so much of my childhood and the things I loved back then.

Recommendation

Love it! If you were a computer loving child of the 80’s, I think you will love it too.