Fiction

The Walking Drum

Background

Published in 1984, “The Walking Drum” by Louis L’Amour is a historical adventure novel set in the 12th century, following the journey of Kerbouchard, a young man of Breton heritage, as he embarks on a quest to find his father. The story takes him across Europe and into the Middle East, where he encounters scholars, warriors, and lovers in a world full of danger and intrigue. As Kerbouchard navigates this tumultuous landscape, he evolves from a vengeful youth into a seasoned traveler and scholar, mastering various cultures and fighting skills. L’Amour’s richly detailed narrative weaves history with fiction, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the medieval world and a protagonist whose thirst for knowledge and adventure drives the story forward.

The Walking Drum
The Walking Drum

My Thoughts

I was hoping for a bit more than what it was. In many ways, it reads like a tall tale as Kerbouchard is a mix of Robin Hood, He-Man, and Einstein. (The Mary Sue of men…) It would be a fun story, but it felt like it just kept going. Perhaps my attention span just isn’t what it could be, but I was thankful when I was finally at the end.

Regardless, I felt it was true to the time and place. L’Amour is famous for doing his homework and this was no exception.

Recommendation

This wasn’t terrible, but don’t think I will be reading it again.

Midst Toil and Tribulation

Background

Published in 2012, “Midst Toil and Tribulation,” the sixth book in David Weber’s Safehold series, continues the struggle between the Empire of Charis and the Church of God Awaiting. Following the civil war in the Republic of Siddarmark, Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan of Charis attempt to prepare to assist Siddarmark against the Church’s invasion. More technologies emerge including steam-power, ironclads, agricultural equipment, and more weaponry that continue to give Charis the edge.

Midst Toil and Tribulation
Midst Toil and Tribulation

My Thoughts

This book was focused more on the longer term impacts of developing technology and adapting to change. Such as the move from columned musket men to strategic rifle fire. Consistent with this series, has been the fun of seeing how the author blends together decades of technological advancement in less than a year and watching the characters deal with that disruption. That was more evident in this installment than the others.

Recommendation

I’m excited to see what comes next.

How Firm a Foundation

Background

Published in 2011, “How Firm a Foundation,” by David Weber, is the fifth book in his Safehold series. It continues the saga of the Charisian Empire as it battles the forces of the Church of God Awaiting. More technological developments within the empire sway the outlook of the war and Empress Sharleyen plays a key role, overseeing trials in Zebediah and Corisande. Grand Inquisitor Zhaspyr Clyntahn incites violence against Charisian expatriates in Siddarmark and orchestrates further brutal crackdowns on all perceived heretics. As tensions rise, Charis faces internal sabotage and external threats, leading to significant casualties and strategic maneuvers​.

How Firm a Foundation
How Firm a Foundation

My Thoughts

This installment of the series has been a bit more fun. Technology has started to include steam power and iron hulls, which effectively compressed decades of historic innovation into mere months. Although, not much has changed with the format of the story, there seems to be more realism in how people are reacting to the current events. The characters have seemed much more human. This book didn’t deal quite so close with Merlin and spent more time filling in the reader of the group of 4 and the other side. It was a good change.

Recommendation

Much more enjoyable than the last.

The Sunlit Man

Background

Published in March of 2024, “The Sunlit Man” by Brandon Sanderson is set in the expansive Cosmere universe, focusing on a character known as Nomad. The story follows Nomad as he flees from the relentless Night Brigade, skipping from one planet to another to evade capture. He finds himself trapped on Canticle, a harsh planet where the sun’s intense heat can incinerate anyone caught in its rays. The planet’s inhabitants must constantly move to survive, creating a unique and dangerous environment.

Nomad is drawn into a conflict between a tyrant known as the Cinder King and a group of rebels fighting for freedom. As he struggles with the burden of his past and his dwindling powers, Nomad faces a perilous choice: escape the planet or stand and fight. The novel explores themes of survival, redemption, and the moral complexities of power​.

The Sunlit Man
The Sunlit Man

My Thoughts

Another very interesting world and societal concept and an old friend from Roshar. (I have to admit, I was a little giddy when he ended the spear kata with “Bridge Four!”)

This was a fun book of nonstop action and ultimately the redemption of the hero. This was a great book that was relatively quick, but I don’t know that I would have liked it as much if I hadn’t read the Stormlight Archives.

Recommendation

A good read, particularly if you’ve read Sanderson’s other books.

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.