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
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.
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
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.
Published in 2004, “The Sling and the Stone,” is a comprehensive exploration of modern warfare and the evolution of conflict in the 21st century. Authored by Colonel Thomas X. Hammes, the book challenges conventional military strategies and highlights the increasing relevance of irregular warfare and insurgency tactics in contemporary conflicts. Drawing on historical examples and extensive research, Hammes examines the strengths and weaknesses of both conventional and unconventional approaches to warfare, offering insights into how nations and armed forces can adapt to effectively combat non-traditional threats.
The Sling and the Stone
My Thoughts
I’m amazed at how well this book has held up as it is over 20 years old. Of course, much has changed particularly with Al-Qaeda as the book was written before the Arab Spring. Still, it gave valuable insight into the Middle East and their varied intertwining histories. It is interesting even today that most people conceive of war in terms of nation states and battlefields. We have moved into a completely new paradigm, particularly now even our Marines have divested themselves from traditional armor and artillery. It’s a brave new world out there and I hope we are ready for it.
It was very interesting to see how the vision of 20 years ago gave seed to the Marine “Force Design 2030” and similar measures. Also, I really enjoyed the idea of modern warfighters playing MMORPGs to ready themselves for 4th generation war. Maybe all that time in my life wasn’t wasted after all.
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
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.
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 2017, “The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place,” by Andy Crouch, explores how families can navigate the influence of technology in modern life. Crouch provides advice and insights on creating an intentional approach to tech use, encouraging families to foster deeper relationships, creativity, and spiritual growth. By prioritizing human connections and setting thoughtful boundaries around digital devices, the book aims to help families reclaim their time and attention from the distractions of the digital age.
The Tech-Wise Family
My Thoughts
Distractions by technology have certainly been on the rise. However, it also gives us access to information and communication on a scale never seen in recorded history. I emphatically agreed with Crouch’s assertion that this technology needs to be regulated. While I do agree with the broad strokes of the message, I disagree on exactly how to go about implementing his vision. I will also give him credit for his disclaimers that he and his family are not perfect in their execution of his espoused ideals.
One section of the book resonated with me in particular. The idea that we have unprecedented access to all the best music in the world and yet make the least music of any time in history. While this could be seen as just another sector of specialization, I’d not thought about so many people never making music themselves. I sincerely hope almost everyone at least has the experience of singing in the shower as making music strikes me a fundamentally human activity. Maybe other specialities are as rewarding from neurosurgery to parkour. (PARKOUR!!!)
I am an optimist when it comes to technology. I sincerely believe most people will figure out their own balance and are not in need of the rules Crouch tries to follow. However, I salute his attempt to address the situation. I strongly believe parents need to support their children and, in most cases, that will require them to place reasonable boundaries on their activities. In theory, we (as parents) have the benefit of experience to give perspective to these boundaries. Yet, these disruptions are so new, many of us are still reeling with the changes. It may feel like it is the blind leading the blind here, yet I believe it is the same struggle as before. We, as humans, need to be intentional about our lives. We crave attachments and are easily bored with the shallow and vapid things of this life. It may take time, but I believe we each have to learn our own way and those of us smart enough to learn from others will have a distinct advantage.
