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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Published in March 2011, “The Wise Man’s Fear,” by Patrick Rothfuss, is the second book in the epic fantasy series “The Kingkiller Chronicle.” Continuing the journey of Kvothe, a gifted young man with a mysterious past, the story delves deeper into his adventures and trials. Kvothe pursues knowledge at the University, seeking answers about the mysterious Chandrian who killed his parents. His journey takes him through encounters with powerful beings, political intrigue, and romantic entanglements, all while honing his skills in magic, music, and combat.
The Wise Man’s Fear
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the writing and the book pulled me in. However, I didn’t really care for the sex and the whole philosophy surrounding it with the Adem people. Fortunately, there wasn’t much through the book and it didn’t have much bearing on the plot. Kvothe is still young and bumbling, but it is becoming very powerful very quickly. This doesn’t bode too well for the following books. However, the fact the reader is shown Kvothe in the present day as a simple innkeeper runs an interesting counterpoint to his younger days. I’m interested to see where it goes.
Recommendation
This one was a LONG book, but I just kept going back to the well.
Published in May of 2023, “Yellowface,” by R.F. Kuang, is a novel delving into issues of cultural appropriation, identity, and the cutthroat world of publishing. The story follows June Hayward, a struggling writer who seizes an unexpected opportunity after the sudden death of her more successful friend, Athena Liu. June decides to publish Athena’s unpublished manuscript under her own name, assuming a new identity and navigating the complexities of literary fame. As she gains success, June faces mounting pressure and guilt, exposing the darker side of the literary industry and the consequences of erasing and exploiting another’s voice.
Yellowface
My Thoughts
I honestly don’t remember where I heard about his book or who recommended it to me. I had it on hold for months and was surprised when it finally popped up in my inbox. That said, I really didn’t like at first. Juniper was self entitled narcissistic piece of garbage who couldn’t get over the fact that her friend was successful. I didn’t know what the book was about and it took me a minute to figure out that I wasn’t supposed to like the protagonist. And she didn’t get any better…
I was pulled in. I loved the commentary on social media and the internet as a whole. How shallow and fickle people can be and how ridiculous cancel culture can be. The book made me think about how unsafe the internet really is and how petty people can be. This book is sad commentary on a society so focused on themselves that they’ve lost an reason to exist. On people who have to find connection with others who are just as vapid and small as themselves. Tearing down each other to make themselves feel better. For most of us, that was middle school or junior high. Unfortunately, some never really evolved past it.
Fortunately, the book eventually ended. It was too much pettiness to keep watching and was getting more and more painful. It was well written and was a compelling story, yet if people are really like that, I feel terrible for them. I’m glad that I know many people who have grown up and are simply good humans.
Recommendation
It became better as it went on. However, I won’t be reading it again.
Published on November 2013, “Mitosis,” by Brandon Sanderson, is a novella set in the Reckoners universe, bridging the gap between “Steelheart” and “Firefight.” The story follows David Charleston and the Reckoners as they continue their fight against the superpowered Epics in the dystopian city of Newcago. When a new Epic named Mitosis arrives, possessing the ability to create deadly clones of himself, David and his team must confront this new threat. The novella explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the ongoing struggle against tyranny in a world where extraordinary powers often lead to extraordinary corruption.
Mitosis
My Thoughts
A fun and very quick read of the first Epic to come looking for “Steelslayer.” It was a bit of nostalgia to read of an earlier time when “Prof” hadn’t turned and David needed to start acting on his own. I found this book fit very well between the first two books of the Reckoners series.
Published in November of 2019, “Starsight,” by Brandon Sanderson, is the sequel to “Skyward,” continuing the story of Spensa Nightshade as she strives to uncover the secrets of her world and her own mysterious heritage. In this installment, Spensa infiltrates the alien Superiority, a coalition of alien races that oppresses humanity. Posing as an alien pilot, she navigates through a complex web of political intrigue, battles, and alliances, all while grappling with her own identity and the immense power within her.
Starsight
My Thoughts
This story seemed to fly by as it easy to read and a fun story. Much like Dr. Seuss’s, “Stars Upon Thars” the lesson we learn is we are all people despite our differences. This concept hits the protagonist hard as she never thought the people oppressing her could be people as well. At the end, this very concept saves the day with the delver. It was a little heavy handed at times and delved into the who “They, Them” pronoun stuff, but still a good time.
