This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books and blogs they have written.
This week was the first since Christmas which was just routine – and I was very grateful for it. I’ve now recovered from my stomach upset, other than the occasional uncomfortable twinge. Other than that, so far we are both okay healthwise, which is a plus with all the nasty colds and illnesses going the rounds. I taught Tim as usual on Monday, which went well. Though I missed Pilates – again! Something always seems to come up on a Monday afternoon, but at least I made Fitstep on Wednesday.
On Thursday morning, Himself and I had breakfast together at the Look and Sea centre, enjoying the river views, although I’m not convinced by the refurbishment. At least the food was good. On Friday, I spent the day with my daughter and little Eliza, who is full of cold. I had a lovely time with them both and also managed to stay long enough to see the older grandchildren, too. Yesterday I worked all day on an editing project with a friend and had a lazy lie-in this morning, listening to a lovely audiobook…
Last week I read:
Bone Silence – Book 3 of the Revenger series by Alastair Reynolds
Two sisters ran away from home to join the crew of a spaceship. They took on pirates, faced down monsters and survived massacres . . . and now they’re in charge. Captaining a fearsome ship of their own, adventures are theirs for the taking. But Captain Bosa’s fearsome reputation still dogs their heels, and they’re about to discover that, out in space, no one forgives, and no one forgets . . .
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was a really solid finish to an unusual and dark-toned space opera adventure that featured on a sibling relationship, rather than a romantic one.
Crownbreaker – Book 6 of the Spellslinger series by Sebastien de Castell
Once an outlaw spellslinger, Kellen Argos has made a life for himself as the Daroman Queen’s protector. A little magic and a handful of tricks are all it takes to deal with the constant threats to her reign. But when rumors of an empire-shattering war begin to stir, Kellen is asked to commit an unimaginable act to protect his queen…
I have thoroughly enjoyed this quirky fantasy series featuring a young failed mage and his ferocious squirrel cat, so put off this one in case it didn’t bring the whole adventure to a proper conclusion. However, I needn’t have worried – it was wound up with plenty of adventure and flourish, leaving me with a lump in my throat. Review to follow.
Ribbonworld – Book 1 of The Balcom Dynasty series by Richard Dee
Miles Goram has a problem. All the down-on-his-luck journalist planned on doing was writing a hotel review and now there’s a body in his bathroom. Far from home on a strange planet, Miles must deal with the fact that somebody wants him dead. Welcome to Reevis, a planet without days or nights where life is only possible under a vast pressure dome.
The murder mystery was well plotted, though nothing extraordinary – but the worldbuilding of the ribbonworld described in this story was amazing.
AUDIOBOOK Ancestral Night – Book 1 of the White Space series by Elizabeth Bear
Haimey Dz thinks she knows what she wants. She thinks she knows who she is. She is wrong. A routine salvage mission uncovers evidence of a terrible crime and relics of powerful ancient technology. Haimey and her small crew run afoul of pirates at the outer limits of the Milky Way, and find themselves on the run and in possession of universe-changing information.
I really enjoyed this twisty space opera thriller, which really drilled down into what it means to have your brain chemistry altered to suit society’s needs. Review to follow.
My posts last week:
Friday Faceoff featuring Foreigner – Book 1of the Foreigner series by C.J. Cherryh
*NEW RELEASE SPECIAL* Review of Bone Silence – Book 3 of the Revenger series by Alastair Reynolds
Interesting/outstanding blogs and articles that have caught my attention during the last couple of weeks, in no particular order:
My Favourite Books of 2019 https://notesfromareaderholic.com/2020/01/20/my-favorite-books-of-2019/ I got a shoutout with my reviewing hat on, as someone who regularly recommends authors Jan enjoys reading. Even better – Mantivore Dreams made her list of favourite reads of the year! Thank you, Jan😊.
Fantastic Find at the Bookstore #7: Chosen https://platformnumber4.com/2020/01/22/fantastic-find-at-the-bookstore-7-chosen/ Becky clearly has a nose for finding books – but this is remarkable discovery…
5 New Poetry Collections to Watch Out For https://librarystaffpicks.wordpress.com/2020/01/29/5-new-poetry-collections-to-watch-out-for-4/ This award-winning library site is always worth a visit…
The Benefits of Sensory Deprivation for Writers https://writerunboxed.com/2020/01/27/the-benefits-of-sensory-deprivation-for-writers/ I particularly noticed this one, as I’m writing a character whose senses of smell and colour are heightened – and found it fascinating reading…
Splitting a Novel http://melfka.com/archives/30282 As someone who has frequently felt obliged to perform major surgery on my manuscripts, it was interesting to read someone else’s experience…
Thank you for visiting, reading, liking and/or commenting on my blog – I hope you have a wonderful week.
Brainfluff 
Thanks for sharing my piece about the Grafton books, Sarah!
You’re very welcome, Becky:). I loved it and I’m sure others will, too.
I certainly appreciate you saying that, Sarah!
Sounds nice how you had a routine week, the first once since Christmas. I am glad to hear you recovered from the stomach upset. Sounds like you had a lovely breakfast on Thursday with your husband. Looks like you had some good reads this week too. Have a great week!
Thank you, Lola:). I hope that you, too, have lovely week.
I have never heard of Ribbonworld, but now I must look into it further! Hope you have a lovely week😁
Thank you, Tammy:). Yes, Ribbonworld was great fun. I hope your week is also a good one!
The Spellslinger series has been on my TBR for a while. Ribbon world sounds interesting.
Wishing you a great reading week, and I hope you stay well.
Thank you, Shelleyrae for your kind good wishes:). I hope you manage to get to the Spellslinger series, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. And Ribbonworld is definitely an enjoyable read.
It sounds like a building week, transitioning from the ill to a healthy, more active week. The weather often affects my moods a bit energywise. I always feel a bit more positive when it is sunny; it feels warmer too.
Such interesting books you’ve read and even with all I read I can’t fit in everything.
Have another healthy and fascinating week with some great books!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
Oh yes – you’re so right, Anne:)). When the weather is sunny, even if it sharper and colder, which often happens here in at this time of year, I feel better, too:)). Thank you for your good wishes – and I hope you, too, have a happy, healthy week!
I love it when routine returns! I’m still looking forward to getting back into mine… Too many things have disrupted it in January! 😦
I’m also glad to hear you’re avoiding the cold going around! It’s pretty nasty. People are dropping like flies with it at work so I’m sure with my luck I’ll catch it before too long! 😂
Hope you have a good week, Sarah!
Thank you, Nicci. Yes… my poor sister is currently smitten and really struggling with it! Hope we both manage to keep clear of the cold and that you have a great week.
Sometimes an ordinary week can be a welcome gift, for sure. We had a “sickie” week with a respiratory virus that’s going around. Both of us shared it. I made class both T and W, but facilitated more than II lectured and let them teach themselves. I let both classes go early, and nobody complained one bit. II skipped my history of graphic design class, and didn’t go out again until Friday. We went to Half Price Books and Olive Garden for spaghetti, but it proved to be too much, so here I sit Sunday not feeling 100% all over again. Oh well, I have until Tuesday to rest and no papers to grade.
So sorry to hear you have been smitten, Rae:(. There is so much of it going the rounds… I hope that both of you soon make a complete recovery – the trouble with those sorts of lergies is that they tend to knock you sideways. Take care – and sending you dollops of virtual recovery jollop!x
Aren’t those routine weeks so good? It makes for different weekly recaps lol but goodness, being able to just sit and not have more obligations than can be handled, even if for a day feels good. Hope your upcoming week is just as relaxing!
Thank you, Athira! Yes – it was a real relief to be able get back into something like a normal rhythm. I hope you, too, get a chance to put your feet up this coming week:)
Routine can be nice after holidays and all that. I like it when things kinda get back to normal too. 🙂 Glad you’re feeling better as well.
Bone Silence sounds awesome, and I’m really curious about the Bear book too.
Bone Silence is a cracking read – but do start with Revenger, first, Greg. And the Elizabeth Bear book is wonderful, particularly as an audiobook:))
Ribbonworld and Crownbreaker both sound like books I would enjoy. I’ll be curious to see what you think of them.
I always like to see the links you post. They are always fascinating. Thank you for sharing them.
So glad you are feeling better!
Have a great week!
Thank you for your kind good wishes, Deb:)). Yes – both Ribbonworld and Crownbreaker are really fun reads. And I’m glad you enjoy the links. Have a fabulous week.
Yay for avoiding all the nasty colds that are going around. I do love getting back to a routine – or developing a new routine. It feels nice to be settled. Have a great week!
Thank you, Katherine. I hope you, too, have a wonderful week:)
Ribbonworld looks intriguing. Thanks for sharing, and enjoy your upcoming week.
Yes, Ribbonworld is an intriguing read – the worldbuilding is exceptional and I hope that you, too, have a lovely week, Laurel.
Hurray for a return to routine. Ours is about to change in less than two weeks. I’ll post about it when it does. My weekly update
Yes, let’s hope I can keep the routine going now…:). I hope your change isn’t too disruptive!
Ribbonworld looks like the kind of story that deserves further investigation… 😉
I was looking for a fun, escapist read with a murder, mystery element and this is what I came up with…
I am sorry to hear you had been sick, Sarah, but am glad you are feeling better. You make the Spellslinger series sound so good! I hope you have a wonderful week!
Thank you for your kind words, Wendy. Yes – the Spellslinger series is a really enjoyable series that doesn’t get too dark as it progresses. I hope you, too, have a great week:)
Ancestral Night is on my to-read list. I’m glad to see you enjoyed it.
It’s quite a hefty read – but as an audiobook, I really enjoyed the experience and look forward to hearing what you make of it.
It’s nice to have everything back to routine after the holidays!
Oh, it is! And this time around, it’s taken a while to settle down to business as usual. Have a great week, SJ:)
I always like getting back into a routine after all of the madness of the holidays. There’s just something comforting about it. I’m really glad to hear you’re feeling better as well. Hope you have a wonderful week!
It is always good when the normal routine is back. I am far from it at the moment but glad that you can enjoy it again. Happy reading & writing.
Thank you, Vi. I hope Life gets back on an even keel, sometime soon…
Great to see that Crownbreaker ended on a high – I’m looking forward to that one very much.
Lynn 😀
I was so relieved! I hadn’t enjoyed the previous book as much and had a horrible feeling the ending wasn’t going to be a good one. No worries, there, though:)
Sounds like a rich, delicious time! Glad you’re feeling better–and hopefully all your kin keep their health, too!
Thank you, Jean:).