Fiction

A Mighty Fortress

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.

A Mighty Fortress
A Mighty Fortress

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.

Sackett’s Land

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.

Sackett's Land
Sackett’s Land

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

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.

By Heresies Distressed
By Heresies Distressed

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!

By Schism Rent Asunder

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.

By Schism Rent Asunder
By Schism Rent Asunder

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

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.

Defiant
Defiant

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

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.

Off Armageddon Reef
Off Armageddon Reef

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.

Cytonic

Background

Published in 2021, “Cytonic” by Brandon Sanderson, is the third installment in the Skyward series. The story follows Spensa Nightshade as she ventures into the Nowhere, a different dimension where she seeks to uncover the secrets of the Delvers, the ancient and powerful entities threatening all living things in the galaxy. As Spensa navigates this uncharted territory, she encounters new allies and adversaries, confronts her deepest fears, and comes to grips with her own identity and power.

Cytonic
Cytonic

My Thoughts

I didn’t quite enjoy this book as much as the last. Spensa is becoming more and more powerful and I worry where this will take us. Also, the self realization of M-Bot brings to light a thousand questions, which weren’t quite addressed in the narrative. However, I did like the surprise return of one of the past characters. Still, it has good writing and I enjoyed the book.

Recommendation

It was worth the time.

The Librarians and the Lost Lamp

Background

Published in 2016, “The Librarians and the Lost Lamp” by Greg Cox, is an adventure novel that ties into the television series “The Librarians.” The story spans two timelines, beginning in 2006 when Flynn Carsen, the lead Librarian, embarks on a quest to find Aladdin’s fabled lamp. Ten years later, the new team of Librarians—Eve, Jake, Cassandra, and Ezekiel—must track down the same artifact before it falls into the wrong hands. The novel weaves together elements of magic, history, and mythology as the Librarians race against time to prevent the lamp’s immense power from being unleashed, while navigating ancient secrets, dangerous traps, and cunning adversaries.

The Librarians and the Lost Lamp
The Librarians and the Lost Lamp

My Thoughts

I was discussing books with a group of friends when one of them suggested this series. I put the first book on hold and didn’t think much about it. I believe I would have enjoyed the book more if I were familiar with the series and its characters. However, since I wasn’t, the characters seemed flat and stereotypical. It’s aimed at young readers, so I didn’t have high expectations, but I still felt disappointed throughout the book. So much of the book was telegraphed with the exception of the ending, which was seemed ridiculous.

Recommendation

Watch the TV show. Apparently it has John Larroquette in it.

Sunreach

Background

Published in 2018, “Sunreach” by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson, is a novella set in the “Skyward” universe. It follows the story of FM, a courageous pilot, as she and her team of young cadets battle the Superiority forces in an attempt to save humanity. Amidst the chaos, FM discovers an unexpected ally in the mysterious alien species known as the Taynix, whose unique abilities might turn the tide of the war.

Sunreach
Sunreach

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the switch from the perspective of Spin to FM, which allowed the story to give further depth and backstory to the characters the reader has already seen. I had “red shirt” flash backs by the quick introduction and disposal of the pilot known as “Lizard.” However, I guess the story had to be quick move along and FM needed to feel some loss. (It just seemed too short and trite.) I’m certain most awkward young men reading to the series and myself were glad to see Rig finally get the girl. I’m a sucker for that kind of underdog love story.

Recommendation

It was a good read.

Mistborn: The Final Empire

Background

Published in 2006, “Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson, is a fantasy novel set in a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the nights. The story follows Vin, a street urchin with hidden abilities, who is recruited by the charismatic Kelsier to join a rebellion against the Lord Ruler, an immortal tyrant who has oppressed the people for a thousand years. Utilizing Allomancy, a magical system that allows certain individuals to ingest and “burn” metals to gain supernatural powers, Vin and Kelsier’s crew undertake a daring plan to overthrow the Final Empire and ignite hope among the oppressed skaa population.

Mistborn The Final Empire
Mistborn The Final Empire

My Thoughts

This was a fun book. In many ways, it is the usual story of a lowly person who has something special about them and saves the day as they grow into themselves and their power. We all love a good hero’s journey and this one did not disappoint.

The idea about “burning metals” for powers was a fun take on magic as was storing things in metal for later use. However, unlike the “White Gold Wielder” series, Sanderson understands that the metals in his stories are alloys or blends of metals. I wasn’t forced to suspend that bit of reality while I was swallowing that pewter could make you strong and fast.

After I had finished the book, I had an odd thought about the parallels between “faruchemy” and exercise. In faruchemy, a person can store up strength and stamina in a metal by becoming weaker for a time. In exercise, a person can become stronger and increase their endurance by forcing their body to move weights or run and thus making it weaker. It’s certainly not a perfect analogy, but maybe it will give me some motivation.

Recommendation

Good book