Science Fiction

Background

Published in 2012, “The Forgotten” by David Baldacci follows Army Special Agent John Puller as he investigates the mysterious death of his aunt in a quiet Florida town. Though her passing was officially ruled accidental, Puller suspects foul play and uncovers a web of corruption, illegal activity, and hidden identities that reach beyond the local community. As he delves deeper, Puller confronts both dangerous adversaries and a conspiracy that threatens national security. The investigation becomes personal, testing his skills as a military investigator and his resolve as a family member seeking justice.

My Thoughts

Another area I have visited and have some familiarity with is the general part of Florida in the book. Baldacci mentions Desin and other areas along the panhandle. The city of Paradise was annexed into Gainesville, Florida in 2022. It is land locked and about 300 miles from where it is placed in the book. (I had to look that up.) This was the first time I saw Baldacci make that error.

Regardless, it was an engaging narrative and I enjoyed the book on the whole. There were a few times the dialogue was overblown and even a little cheesy. There were also some adult scenes that fortunately didn’t get too graphic or last very long.

Recommendation

Good enough to keep reading the series.

Background

Published in June 2019, White Sand Volume III concludes the graphic novel trilogy adapted from Brandon Sanderson’s unpublished prose novel. The story follows Kenton, one of the last remaining Sand Masters, as he tries to stabilize the Diem, the governing body of the Sand Masters, while navigating growing political unrest on the desert world of Taldain. In this final volume, Kenton must contend with assassination attempts, betrayals among allies, and deepening conflicts between the Daysiders and Darksiders. As the rival factions escalate their power struggles, Kenton is forced to choose between tradition and innovation in order to save his people and redefine the legacy of the Sand Masters. This installment also reveals more about the broader Cosmere universe, connecting White Sand to Sanderson’s larger mythos.

My Thoughts

I was a little disappointed by the outcome here. There was still a general lack of interesting movement in the story and it ended up wrapping in a neat tidy bow. We learned more about the properties of the sand and it seemed Kriss was about to crack it wide open, but that story arc didn’t really go anywhere. Oh, well. This medium just isn’t for me. There is still much to be told and I could see Sanderson doing more with it in the future.

Recommendation

It was OK.

Background

Published in 2018, White Sand Volume II continues the story of Kenton, a powerful yet untrained sand master who has survived an attack that wiped out most of his order. As political forces converge and new enemies arise, Kenton must navigate distrust among allies and power struggles within the Diem while learning to control his abilities. Meanwhile, Khriss, an outsider with her own motivations, digs deeper into the mysteries of the planet Taldain and the secrets surrounding the sand mastery. Their paths intersect as a greater conspiracy unfolds, setting the stage for deeper revelations in the larger Cosmere universe.

My Thoughts

While graphic novels really aren’t my thing, I wanted to read all of Brandon Sanderson’s works. This is part 2 of the 3 part series. The type of investiture here is through the sun charged sand which can be controlled by the Sandmasters. As the planet is tidally locked around its sun, there is a day-side and a night-side. Night-siders see the control of sand to be blasphemous and the day-sider are simply too blind to their own politics to care. This makes a good setup for a hero’s journey to right the wrongs and fight against anyone standing in the way. Such is the case with this series. However, this installment had the same feeling as Episode 1 – A Phantom Menace. Lots of potential and remarkable amount legalistic non-action. It’s ok though, we are setting the stage for something better. Right?

Recommendation

It was ok.

Background

Published in 2020, “The Original”, co-written by Brandon Sanderson and Mary Robinette Kowal is a sci-fi thriller set in a future where clones are used for justice. The protagonist, Holly, wakes up to find herself as a replica tasked with hunting her original self, who is accused of murder. As she unravels the truth about her existence and the society she lives in, Holly only has a few days to find the killer and solve the problem.

My Thoughts

This was a pretty quick read and not the best concept. There were a few fundamental problems with the story that do not make sense. (Building clones seems to be a pretty wasteful and elaborate way to find someone and take them to justice. Add to that all the collateral damage the clone did and the story falls apart pretty fast.) However, if you are willing to ignore some of those issues, the book was fun and kept my attention.

Recommendation

While not his best work, I did enjoy it.

Background

Published in 2018, “Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds” by Brandon Sanderson is a collection of three novellas (Legion, Skin Deep, and Lies of the Beholder) on his character Stephen Leeds, an exceptionally brilliant man with a unique psychological condition. Leeds does not suffer from schizophrenia but instead manifests “aspects”—each representing a different skill or area of knowledge. These aspects are fully realized individuals that only Leeds can see and interact with, and he uses them to solve complex problems and mysteries.

Across the three novellas, Leeds faces a range of cases, from recovering stolen technological secrets to unraveling dangerous conspiracies. As he navigates these challenges, he also struggles with questions about his own identity and the nature of his aspects.

My Thoughts

This small collection was a lot of fun to read. Sanderson does such a good job in bringing the reader directly into the story through likable characters and empathetic situations. The collection started with commentary by Sanderson on his writing process and how he found this project “cathartic”. I was glad he did.

Recommendation

Great read.

Background

Published in 2016, “At the Sign of Triumph” is the ninth book in David Weber’s Safehold series. This volume brings the long-running conflict between the Empire of Charis and the Church of God Awaiting to a climactic conclusion. The Church, despite its overwhelming resources and global influence, finds itself on the verge of defeat after eight years of war. Charis, though vastly outnumbered, has technological advantages, a strong leadership in Emperor Cayleb, and the crucial guidance of Merlin Athrawes, a cybernetic avatar with ancient knowledge.

My Thoughts

We made it! This book takes the reader through the end of the “Church of God Awaiting!” Yet there is more. I have another book on hold that was written three years after this Safehold book was written. (3 years is an eternity to David Weber, a writing machine.) I’m excited to see what he wanted to tack on as the story was left wide open. I am very happy to make it to the first ending of the series.

Recommendation

This series was a lot as these are not small books! Still, there is plenty of plot and characters and very interesting ideas, particularly if you are interested in the evolution of military technology.

Background

Published in 2015, “Hell’s Foundations Quiver” is the eighth book of David Weber’s Safehold series. The conflict between the Charisian Empire and the Church of God Awaiting continues to escalate. Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan continue their struggle to liberate Safehold from the Church’s technological and ideological stranglehold. As new alliances are forged, the Empire advances in its technological innovations with Merlin Athrawes’ guidance, bringing the conflict to a critical turning point. Amidst political and military upheaval, Weber deepens the themes of faith, rebellion, and the cost of progress.

My Thoughts

This one wasn’t quite as much of a push as the last Safehold book. Technology has progressed past ironclads and now has WWI style swivel mount guns. Shotguns are introduced, along with lighters, and prop propelled ships.

There is some interesting interplay with personality between Merlin and Namoo. The book explores how people can change given their differing circumstances. It’s a interesting take on the nature and nurture dichotomy.

Recommendation

In for a penny, in for a pound… I’m going to finish it, but you certainly don’t have to.

Background

Published in 2014, “Like a Mighty Army” is the seventh book in David Weber’s Safehold series. The story continues the on going saga of the Empire of Charis as it battles the oppressive Church of God Awaiting on the planet Safehold. As Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan strive to unify the world and advance their society, they are aided by Merlin Athrawes, a cybernetic avatar with the memories of a long-dead woman. The novel explores the escalating conflict as both sides adopt new technologies and strategies, leading to pivotal battles that will shape the future of humanity. Themes of faith, freedom, and innovation are woven throughout, highlighting the struggle against tyranny and the quest for enlightenment.

My Thoughts

I can’t really put my finger on why, but I’m burning out on the series. I had to push a few times to continue the story. There were plenty of good narratives, side stories, drama and so on that I would expect to keep my attention. However, this one was a hard push.

Recommendation

It is still a good story. However, it is book seven so read the preceding books or you will find yourself very lost.

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.

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.

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​.

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.