Fantasy

Background

Published in 2003, Death Masks is the 5th book in The Dresden Files. This book sees Harry dealing with the White Court of vampires now that he dealt with the Red Court in the last book in the series. There is a lot of confusion and the reader learns much more about Harry’s history and family.

My Thoughts

Another good book. I liked the touch of several different kind of vampires which was touched on in the last book. The idea that the porn industry is at least partially fueled by vampires that feel on sexual energy is one I hadn’t heard of before… We get much more information on Thomas and the Knights of the Cross.

Recommendation

Worth the read. Again, not for the kids.

Background

Published in 2002, Summer Knight is the 4th book in the The Dresden Files series. This book sees Harry pulled into a conflict between the fairy kingdoms of summer and winter and reintroduced to his first love who he thought was dead.

My Thoughts

A fun book that gave a lot of backstory on Harry and further expanded the universe of The Dresden Files. A good deal of the book is fought in the Nevernever which is like a literary “room of requirement” and gives almost unlimited options to the author. Harry becomes almost a little overpowered and I’m a little worried about that becoming a theme in the books.

Recommendation

Another good book. Not for the kids.

Background

Originally published in September of 2001, Grave Peril is the 3rd book in the The Dresden Files series. There is a note on the audio book that the author believes this book marks the “real” beginnings of the series in terms of momentum.

Harry ends up going to the home of the Red Court which sets the stage for much of the series to follow.

My Thoughts

I read the books out of order as the 2nd book wasn’t available at the time and I went through the first in a day. I hate doing that kind of thing because so much of the series was cumulative. Harry had the help of werewolves in this book which he certainly didn’t in the first. Still, the author is always good enough to give a brief into to the characters in each book when the read first encounters them.

Recommendation

Another good book and a little more adult than the last.

Background

Published in 2000, Storm Front is the first book in the The Dresden Files series. It was originally written as a class assignment. Fortunately, the teacher pronounced it good enough to publish.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the book. I was still recovering from reading Wuthering Heights and a friend suggested the series. I liked the idea of a wizard detective and looked up the first book. Not for the young, it has some language and adult situations. Still, it was entertaining and I found myself swept up in the series.

Recommendation

Good book and worth the read.

Background

Originally published in 1969, Dune Messiah is the sequel to Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel Dune. The story takes place 12 years after the events of Dune, and it follows Paul Atreides, who has now become the Emperor of the Known Universe. However, Paul soon realizes that his power comes at a great cost, and he begins to question whether he is truly the messiah that his followers believe him to be. The novel explores themes of power, religion, and the dangers of hero worship.

My Thoughts

I wasn’t quite that impressed after the first book. Paul has many special powers but that won’t stop everyone around him from trying to control him. He seems a little overpowered for my tastes but the story works regardless.

Recommendation

Good book. It went by very fast.

Background

Published in Oct of 2020, Dune, The Duke of Caladan is the story of Leto Atreides. Who was this man and how did he get the privilege to oversee the spice mines on Arrakis. This novel is the first of 3 prequels to the saga of Dune.

My Thoughts

Another great book which felt very close to the writing of the original Dune series. Leto Atreides is set up to be the paragon of honor and responsibility. I’d compare him to Abraham Lincoln without the sense of humor. His people love him and his enemies hate him. Even the corrupt Emperor respects him…

Recommendation

Great read and worth the time.

Background

Published September of 2021, Dune The Lady of Caladan is the second book in the new prequels to Dune. This book focus is on the Lady Jessica who was brought back to the Bene Gesserit and forced away from her family.

My Thoughts

A great book that felt very true to the writing of Dune. I actually thought I was rereading one of the old fan fictions and was surprised to find out this was a new book. Of course, as this was book 2, I had to find and read book 1.

Recommendation

Great read, very entertaining.

Background

Published in 2003, The Crystal City is the sixth and final installment of the “Alvin Maker” series. Alvin finds his people and begins the city. He also teams up with Abraham Lincoln who is down on his luck in this version of history.

My Thoughts

While I’m happy it is over, it wasn’t an enjoyable end. We finally see what the plow is for and that was pretty anti-climatic. Calvin is still a pain in the rear and there isn’t any resolution there. Alvin is still overpowered… Again, I’m glad the story is wrapped up but it left me wanting.

Recommendation

Not the best.

Background

Published in August of 1998, Heartfire is the fifth book in the “Alvin Maker” series. This story tells how Alvin is treated by the New Englanders while his wife is working on the slave issue down South.

My Thoughts

I wasn’t very impressed with this one. Alvin is getting too powerful and we are losing track of why we might like him. It’s kind of like Superman. At some point he is given all kinds of powers and is all but perfect in every way. It’s too much.

Recommendation

It had potential but is going off the rails.

Background

Alvin Journeyman is the 4th book in the “Alvin Maker” series by Orson Scott Card. Published in 1995, it is the story of the events of Alvin after his time as an apprentice blacksmith. His previous master was upset with him, due to his jealousy, and accused him of stealing a large sum of gold. Much of the book deals with Alvin’s arrest, trial, and the numerous people who are plotting against him. First and foremost is his younger brother Calvin who has powers similar to Alvin but is never quite good enough…

My Thoughts

This book moved a little slower than the others but a lot of important events happened. Alvin is still the main character but the story allowed for more development of the people around him.

What didn’t work for me was the plow. I really hope this turns into something that makes sense later on but I feel like there was so much potential story there that wasn’t realized. Maybe we will see it in the next book.

Recommendation

The series slowed down a bit with this one but it is still exciting