Words of Radiance

Background

“Published in 2014, “Words of Radiance,” is the second book in Brandon Sanderson’s “The Stormlight Archive.” The story continues to follow the struggles of the Knights Radiant and their quest to protect the shattered world of Roshar from ancient evils. As war brews and political intrigues escalate, the characters face challenges that test their loyalties, strengths, and beliefs, while uncovering deeper mysteries about the enigmatic magical forces and history of their world.

Words of Radiance
Words of Radiance

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book as it gave more depth and growth to the main characters and started telling the story of their mortal enemies. Sanderson is a masterful storyteller and I easily got lost in the story as it was unfolding. However, there is a whole lot of story! Somewhat like Tolkien and other before him Sanderson gives detail that may not be needed but goes down so easily you don’t mind the ride. There is so much to the world he created that much doesn’t come into focus until well after some part of the plot was revealed. This gives the reader a feeling that they should pay attention to everything along the way which, of course, just sucks you into the story that much more.

Recommendation

Long but worth it.

The Way of Kings

Background

Published in 2010, “The Way of Kings” is a novel by Brandon Sanderson, and the first in the Stormlight Archive series. The story is set on the world of Roshar, where humans are locked in a war with the Parshendi, a race of mysterious shelled. The novel follows several characters, including Kaladin, a former slave who becomes a leader of a group of slaves used as bridgemen, forced to lead suicidal charges across a field of deadly chasms; Shallan, a young woman trying to save her family by stealing a valuable artifact called a Soulcaster; and Dalinar Kholin, the brother of the murdered king, who keeps to the old codes of honor and integrity and dreams of uniting the Alethi armies against the Parshendi.

The Way of Kings
The Way of Kings

My Thoughts

Brandon Sanderson is a master storyteller and has created another world complete with races and magic that I haven’t experienced. The story is engaging and keeps me coming back for more. That’s fortunate because the book is over 1200 pages long. (Make some time on your calendar…) I’m excited to see where this series takes me.

Recommendation

Great book! I’m really enjoying it.

Wyrd Sisters

Background

Wyrd Sisters is a novel by Terry Pratchett, the third in the Discworld series. The story follows three witches, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick, as they attempt to overthrow the evil Duke Felmet, who has usurped the throne of Lancre. The witches have the help of the infant heir to the throne, Tomjon, and a troupe of traveling actors.

The novel is a parody of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and it also contains elements of Hamlet and King Lear. Wyrd Sisters is a darkly comic novel, and it is full of Pratchett’s trademark wit and satire. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best Discworld novels.

Wyrd Sisters
Wyrd Sisters

My Thoughts

What happens when a witch falls in love? Who would ever think to mess with Granny Weatherwax? I really do enjoy Terry Pratchett’s imagination and his take on the world. It is somewhat like Gary Larson in that one can understand and even appreciate their material but still wonder where it all comes from. Regardless, I keep coming back for more. However, I’ve run into a dead end and may actually have to buy some books to keep reading them in order. How annoying… I wouldn’t have such an issue if Sir Pratchett were still with us but it’s been a decade since he passed. Now I can only wonder where the money goes.

Recommendation

Fun book. While part of the Discworld Series, it can stand on it’s own and does not have to be read in order.

Sourcery

Background

Published in 1988, “Sourcery” is the fifth installment in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The story revolves around a young boy named Coin, the eighth son of an eighth son, who inherits unimaginable magical powers as a Sorcerer. With the ability to bend reality to his will, Coin becomes a threat to the balance of power on Discworld. As chaos ensues and the fabric of reality starts to unravel, the inept wizard Rincewind is reluctantly pulled into the turmoil, joined by an eccentric cast of characters. As they navigate through the whimsical and dangerous world of magic, Pratchett weaves a tale filled with sharp humor, sharp social commentary, and a dash of philosophical reflection on power and responsibility.

Sourcery
Sourcery

My Thoughts

I loved Rincewind’s part in this book. He continues to become more interesting as the installments continue. Also, the introduction of Cohen’s daughter and the aspiring barbarian Nijel. So much fun!

Recommendation

Another fun read. Not as good as Mort but still worth the time and attention.

Countdown to Dallas

Background

Published in 2013, “Countdown to Dallas” is by Paul Brandus exploring the events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The book examines the lives of both Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald, and it debunks various theories about who was responsible for the assassination. Brandus argues that the assassination was at the hands of Oswald and gives compelling evidence of the series of events that led to that day in Dallas.

Countdown to Dallas
Countdown to Dallas

My Thoughts

I never saw the movie “JFK” by Oliver Stone but Paul Brandus doesn’t seem to have a high opinion of it. In fact, he takes every opportunity to show where it was in error. I also had no idea of the time Oswald lived in Russia or his communist ties. I didn’t know he idealized Cuban Marxism or that he was so far down the end of his rope. I was gratified to hear that the Marines kicked him out. He sounds like a real piece of work.

However, if all the above were true, I can certainly understand why it wouldn’t be such a great idea to inform everyone of exactly who this guy was and what he was about as it would certainly cause issues. Of course, it did anyway and that is a worthy story in of itself.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. The book seems to be well researched and written but there is still some tangible bias in his language. It’s enough that makes me want to delve further.

Mort

Background

Published in 1987, “Mort” is a novel by Terry Pratchett, and part of the Discworld series. The story follows Mort, an awkward and unhappy apprentice to his family’s farm, who is unexpectedly taken on as an apprentice by Death himself. Mort learns the ropes of his new job, which includes collecting souls and ferrying them to the afterlife. He also begins to question the nature of death and his own place in the world.

Mort’s journey takes him to all corners of the Discworld, where he encounters a variety of characters, including the witches Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the wizard Rincewind, and the vampire lord Krok. Along the way, he learns about the importance of life, death, and free will.

Mort
Mort

My Thoughts

This was such a good book! British whimsy regarding death himself! This has been my favorite book so far in the series.

Recommendation

Great read. Highly suggested.

Born to Run 2

Background

Published in 2022, “Born to Run 2” is the sequel to “Born to Run” (2009). Both were written by Christopher McDougall and explores the author’s journey to of the events after the first book. In this book, McDougall delves into practical exercises and still continues his belief the science, biomechanics, and natural form of running for the human body. He also gives some histories of people who made an appearance in his first book.

Born to Run 2
Born to Run 2

My Thoughts

I was one of those people who bought minimalist shoes and went running after reading his first book. I ran almost daily back in those days and it is the only thing I miss about my time working in Washington D.C.

This book almost had me buying a new pair of shoes and start running again. (I still have my old pair because they almost never wear out but according to this book, I bought them too small). I currently am laid up due to some plantar fasciitis in my foot. However, McDougall gives specific exercises to deal with it. I still may…

Recommendation

This is a bit of a niche read and meant as more of a reference but it was worth my attention.

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