The “Good Parts” version of the classic tale of The Princess Bride was released in 1973 and was performed by Rob Reiner after he directed the movie version in 1987.
I had only seen the movie but this was a fun addition to what I had already seen.
It was a good read
Published in February of 2021, Walk in My Combat Boots is a collection of true stories from America’s warriors, told by the men and women who lived them. The stories are raw, honest, and unforgettable. They offer a glimpse into the lives of those who have served our country in the armed forces, and the sacrifices they have made.
The book is divided into three sections: “The Call to Duty,” “The Fight,” and “The Homecoming.” In “The Call to Duty,” the authors share their stories of why they joined the military. In “The Fight,” they recount their experiences in combat. And in “The Homecoming,” they discuss the challenges of re-integrating into civilian life.
Most of the stories are lacking in any kind of theme or similarity so it was easy to get lost in the narrative. My hat is off to our service men and women but I didn’t really enjoy this book.
It was hard to get through. I’d skip this one.
Children of Dune was published back in 1976 by Frank Herbert and is the 3rd in a 6 volume series about Dune. This story is largely about the son and daughter of Paul after he heads into the desert.
I didn’t really care for this book. The children were too overpowered to be much fun and his sister was a trip. Of course, that’s the idea, the cautionary tale of what can happen when you get a little too full of yourself.
It wasn’t terrible but I should have stopped at the first book.
Published in November of 2020, “Ready Player Two” is a science fiction novel written by Ernest Cline and serves as a sequel to his 2011 bestseller, “Ready Player One”. The story takes place in a near-future world where virtual reality technology has become even more advanced, and the line between the real world and the digital realm has become increasingly blurred. The story follows Wade Watts, the protagonist from the first book, as he discovers a new technological breakthrough that promises to change everything. However, as Wade and his friends delve deeper into this new world, they find themselves facing new dangers and challenges that threaten to upend everything they thought they knew.
Unfortunately the quality of this book was down from the last. I really enjoyed Ready Player One but that may be it hit me perfectly as nostalgic for the 80s. This book felt tacked on.
Skip this one!
Battle Ground is the 17th novel in The Dresden Files. Battle Ground was published on September 29, 2020. This book wraps up the series.
Due to my hosting service being terrible, I’m writing this 5 months after I read the book. However, I really did enjoy it. Harry becomes more than a little overpowered but it was all in good fun. Great series!
It was worth the 16 books previous
Published in July of 2020, Peace Talks is the 16th novel in The Dresden Files series. Harry’s brother is found in the wrong place at the wrong time and will soon be judged by the accords. Harry might have a chance to make things right but that’s just a chance.
Much was brought together in this book and the story is reaching it’s climax. This book was a giant set up for the next book… The author was pumping out a book a year on this series and then took 6 years to get this one out. The final book came out about 6 months after this so it is really part 1 of the end.
Fun book but don’t start here. Go back and read the 15 previous books.
Published in May of 2014, “Skin Game” is a fantasy novel by author Jim Butcher, which follows the story of Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator, as he becomes embroiled in a high-stakes heist with a group of dangerous criminals. In order to save the life of a friend, Dresden must work with a gang of supernatural beings to steal a powerful artifact from a heavily guarded vault. As the heist becomes increasingly complex and dangerous, Dresden must use all of his skills and wits to outsmart his adversaries and stay alive. Skin Game is the 15th book in The Dresden Files series.
Back to flexible ethics… Though the author really did a good job writing this book, I didn’t care for where it took us. I do understand the necessity of the story to get to the full story arc but this wasn’t my favorite book.
Still fun but not my favorite.
Published in November of 2012, Cold Days is the 14th book of The Dresden Files series. This book starts Harry’s service as the Winter Knight and his indoctrination to a much wider world.
This was a fun set up and I’m always surprised at the level of the imagination of the author. I can feel the story starting to spin up to a bigger ending. I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
The next link in the chain
Published in July of 2011, Ghost Story is the 13th book of The Dresden Files series. Harry is shot and wakes up as ghost but that doesn’t mean his job is done. How can he save the day if he can’t be seen, heard, or interact?
How fun was this idea? The fact that it was the 13th book made it that much more interesting. I loved a bunch of things about this book not the least of which was his pull to his own grave and the rules he had to live with as a spirit. Very interesting!
One of the better books of the series
Published in April of 2010, Changes is the 12th book in The Dresden Files series. Harry’s old flame comes back to tell them they have a daughter and she is in trouble. The Red Court has her and it is up to Harry to save her.
Another good read. I enjoyed the tie in with the history of Mexico and the Red Court. The exploitation of what I call “Disney Ethics” is taken to a new level with Harry sacrificing all he is and everyone else for a daughter he has never met… Still, the story was fun and I enjoyed the ride.
Worth the read.