This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books and blogs they have written.
It was a quiet week. Frank stayed over until Monday evening which was a joy. He is always such very good company. We had a lazy morning in our PJ’s chatting about Life, the World and everything – as you do with a sixteen-year-old and then went for a walk along Littlehampton beach.
Once he went home, the rest of the week has been all about reading, working with my father-in-law on his memoir and getting the first draft of Trouble With Dwarves sorted out. Himself is now on his long weekend, so we went for a walk this morning along the beach. We are allowed to leave home to exercise, but we are being strongly encouraged to stay as close as home as possible for said exercise, hence the pics – once again – of Littlehampton beach and our bracing walk. As you can see, the sea was quite rough…
Last week I read:
Defending the Galaxy – Book 3 of the Sentinels of the Galaxy by Maria V. Snyder
Year 2522. Oh. My. Stars.
Junior Officer Ara Lawrence here, reporting for duty. Again. It’s situation critical for the security team and everyone in the base – including my parents – with a new attack from the looters imminent, a possible galaxy-wide crime conspiracy and an unstoppable alien threat. But this all pales in the face of my mind-blowing discovery about the Q-net. Of course, no one believes me. I’m not sure I believe me. It could just be a stress-induced delusion. That’s what my parents seem to believe…
Their concern for me is hampering my ability to do my job. I know they love me, but with the Q-net in my corner, I’m the only one who can help the security team beat the shadowy aliens from the pits we discovered. We’re holding them at bay, for now, but the entire Milky Way Galaxy is in danger of being overrun. With battles on too many fronts, it’s looking dire. But one thing I’ve learned is when people I love are in jeopardy, I’ll never give up trying to save them. Not until my dying breath. Which could very well be today…
This is a wonderful finale to a very entertaining, action-packed space opera series. I’ve rarely seen subjects like quantum entanglement and time dilation dealt with so entertainingly, yet effectively. And Ara’s character simply bounces off the page. But whatever you do, read the other two books first… Review to follow.
AUDIOBOOK Tombland – Book 7 of the Matthew Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom
Spring, 1549. Two years after the death of Henry VIII, England is sliding into chaos…
The king, Edward VI, is eleven years old. His uncle Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, rules as Protector. Radical Protestants are conducting all out war on the old religion, stirring discontent among the people. The Protector’s prolonged war with Scotland is proving a disastrous failure. Worst of all, the economy is in collapse, inflation rages and rebellion is stirring among the peasantry.
Since the old King’s death, Matthew Shardlake has been working as a lawyer in the service of Henry’s younger daughter, the Lady Elizabeth. The gruesome murder of the wife of John Boleyn, a distant Norfolk relation of Elizabeth’s mother – which could have political implications for Elizabeth – brings Shardlake and his young assistant Nicholas Overton to the summer assizes at Norwich. There they are reunited with Shardlake’s former assistant Jack Barak. The three find layers of mystery and danger surrounding the death of Edith Boleyn, as more murders are committed. During their investigation, a peasant rebellion breaks out across the country. Yeoman Robert Kett establishes a vast camp outside Norwich and leads a force of thousands to overthow the landlords. Soon the rebels have taken over the city, England’s second largest.
This monster of a book (800+ pages) was wonderfully narrated and has held me throughout most of January. I have been a fan of this series for years – and I’m so glad that one of my reading targets last year was to catch up with those series that somehow slipped through the cracks. For this book is a tour de force and already, I have one of the books that will make my Outstanding Reads of 2021… Review to follow.
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Ancillary Justice meets Red, White & Royal Blue in Everina Maxwell’s exciting debut.
While the Iskat Empire has long dominated the system through treaties and political alliances, several planets, including Thea, have begun to chafe under Iskat’s rule. When tragedy befalls Imperial Prince Taam, his Thean widower, Jainan, is rushed into an arranged marriage with Taam’s cousin, the disreputable Kiem, in a bid to keep the rising hostilities between the two worlds under control.
But when it comes to light that Prince Taam’s death may not have been an accident, and that Jainan himself may be a suspect, the unlikely pair must overcome their misgivings and learn to trust one another as they navigate the perils of the Iskat court, try to solve a murder, and prevent an interplanetary war… all while dealing with their growing feelings for each other.
This was a lovely surprise! I’m not sure what I was expecting – but it wasn’t this lovely adventure, coupled with a slow-burn same-sex romance that was handled beautifully. Which didn’t swamp the fascinating political dynamic and I’m very much hoping that this is the first in a series. Review to follow.
The Monster MASH – Book 1 of the Monster M*A*S*H series by Angie Fox
Ancient gods. Modern war. And a star-crossed couple who could use some divine intervention.
The day I was drafted into the army of the gods, all I knew about being a MASH surgeon was what I’d learned from Hawkeye Pierce and Hot Lips Houlihan. Now here I am, Dr. Petra Robichaud, in the middle of an immortal war, assigned to a MASH camp with a nosy sphinx, a vegetarian werewolf, and an uptight vampire who really needs to get a life.
At least they’re all too busy with their own dramas to discover my secret: I can see the dead. It’s a forbidden gift, one that can get me killed, so I haven’t told a soul. Until the arrestingly intense Galen arrives on my operating table, half-dead and totally to-die-for. When his spirit tries to slip out of his fatally wounded body, I impulsively slip it back in. Call it a rash resurrection. One I’ll live to regret.
A delightfully quirky read with a nice line in humour that prevents this being a bleak read. As a huge fan of the MASH TV series, I was pleased to see that this fantasy homage got the tone more or less spot on. Review to follow.
NOVELLA The Expert System’s Champion – Book 2 of The Expert System series by Adrian Tchaikovsky
It’s been ten years since Handry was wrenched away from his family and friends, forced to wander a world he no longer understood. But with the help of the Ancients, he has cobbled together a life, of sorts, for himself and his fellow outcasts.
Wandering from village to village, welcoming the folk that the townships abandon, fighting the monsters the villagers cannot—or dare not—his ever-growing band of misfits has become the stuff of legend, a story told by parents to keep unruly children in line. But there is something new and dangerous in the world, and the beasts of the land are acting against their nature, destroying the towns they once left in peace.
When I didn’t get a review copy of this one, I pre-ordered it, being a solid Tchaikovsky fan. And I’ve still to write the review of this one, as my feelings about it are a tad tangled. It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 and it didn’t quite live up to my very high expectations of it – though that didn’t prevent it being a solidly good book. Review to follow.
The Lord of Stariel – Book 1 of the Stariel series by A.J. Lancaster
The Lord of Stariel is dead. Long live the Lord of Stariel. Whoever that is.
Everyone knows who the magical estate will choose for its next ruler. Or do they? Will it be the lord’s eldest son, who he despised? His favourite nephew, with the strongest magical land-sense? His scandalous daughter, who ran away from home years ago to study illusion?
Hetta knows it won’t be her, and she’s glad of it. Returning home for her father’s funeral, all Hetta has to do is survive the family drama and avoid entanglements with irritatingly attractive local men until the Choosing. Then she can leave. But whoever Stariel chooses will have bigger problems than eccentric relatives to deal with.
Another solid delight! Himself strongly recommended this one and I read waaay into the night as I found it impossible to put down. I’ve a couple of Netgalley reads to get through – but just as soon as I can, I’ll be tucking into the next book in the series! Review to follow.
My posts last week:
Castellan the Black and His Wise Draconic Sayings
AUDIOBOOK Review of Eating Things on Sticks by Anne Fine
Covet the Covers featuring Maria V. Snyder
*NEW RELEASE SPECIAL* Review of Murder at the Ritz by Jim Eldridge
Can’t-Wait Wednesday featuring Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Review of Chasing the Shadows – Book 2 of the Sentinels of the Galaxy by Maria V. Snyder
Sunday Post – 24th January 2021
Interesting/outstanding blogs and articles that have caught my attention during the last week, in no particular order:
Isandlwana https://robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com/2021/01/22/thursdaydoors-isandlwana/ Thursday Doors is a quirky weekly photo blog and I loved this contribution…
2020 First-Time Foraging Experiences Around Leeuwarden https://operationxblog.wordpress.com/2020/12/30/2020-first-time-foraging-experiences/ It was a terrible year on so many levels, but it did give some folks an opportunity to try new things…
Hope Blooms https://cindyknoke.com/2021/01/22/hope-blooms/ Cindy’s amazing photos regularly feature on this spot – but this particular post may well chime with a number of you…
18 Amazing Things You Can’t Miss on Your Trip to Zanzibar https://colorfulsisters.com/2021/01/26/18-amazing-things-you-cant-miss-on-your-trip-to-zanzibar-things-to-do/ While we are in lockdown, unable to go anywhere other than exercise or when supporting the family in our support bubble, I find blogs like this such a comfort…
FROM THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS https://powerfulwomenreaders.wordpress.com/2021/01/30/from-the-great-state-of-texas/ Rae is a wonderful inspirational teacher who I have had the privilege of meeting online and she also takes part in the marvellous My Little Free Library and this article features on the books that turned up, here…
Thank you for visiting, reading, liking and/or commenting on my blog. I hope you had a peaceful, healthy week – and do take care. x
Brainfluff 
Love the picture with the gull. My parents miss talking to their grandkids in person. They can only do that via zoom or phone. Happy reading and stay safe and well.
It’s so hard when families are kept apart. I’m aware that we are very lucky in seeing our grandchildren, as we are part of my daughter’s support bubble. But my father-in-law is very ill with cancer and we can’t go and see him:((.
I also read Winter’s Orbit and was also surprised! It wasn’t quite what I was expecting but so very good😁 Hope you have a nice week, Sarah😁
I’m glad you enjoyed it too, Tammy. I always love it when a book surprises me in a good way:)). I hope you, too, have a lovely week!
Lovely pictures. I used to be a huge fan of the TV show MASH too. I have to check this book out. It looks so good. I hope you have a great week.
Thank you, Yvonne. Oh, do check out The Monster MASH – it’s really quirky:)). And I hope that you, too, have a great week.
Lovely pictures!! My grandparents used to watch MASH every time it was on TV-they had seen every episode so many times!
Thank you, Samantha!. It brings back some very happy memories of curling up on the settee and watching a really quality series – something that can make me both laugh and cry is very special:)).
Having young people home is such a joy! Have a great week.
It really is, Sophie:)). I hope you, too, have a wonderful week!
I’m glad you had such a good visit. The walk along the beach looks amazing. Do you get in the water during winter? Or is that even a possibility?
What a fun project, working with your father-in-law on his memoir. One of my friends teaches a class out at our community college that helps seniors write their life story. My dad took it just before the pandemic. I hope he will finish his story.
How cool that you highlighted Rae’s Little Free Library find! Rae is my blogging friend, and she is my real life friend.
Lol… there were three people in the water yesterday – they were on surfboards. And at Brighton there is a society of swimmers who go in the water every single day. But it must be perishing – the boarders were wearing either wetsuits or drysuits. The air temp was 39 degrees F and I won’t go in during the summer because it’s too cold:)). So yes, I could do so if I wanted – but I don’t…
My father-in-law is very, very ill with cancer and wants to write his memoirs for the youngsters, as he’s something of a maverick and wanted to let them know about some of the things he’s done. As he is dyslexic, I’ve been helping to smooth the prose. We’ve been using Shared OneDrive where we can edit a document between us, while chatting about it over Zoom and it works really well.
And I think Rae is absolutely amazing – she is such an inspirational person and meeting up with people like her – and you – is one of the reasons why I’m so fond of being part of the book blogging community:)).
I love seeing the water, no matter the weather. It’s wonderful you and Frank are able to talk. Have a wonderful week!
Yes – there is something very calming about watching and listening to the waves crash onto the beach… And I’m aware that I’m very blessed to have such a close relationship with my grandson – he is such wonderful company!
I have my eye firmly on Winter’s Orbit because it sounds intriguing and because every new review I read increases my curiosity: all I need now is some space on that *bloated* TBR… 😀
Oh I know. Right now, I’m afraid I’m just shutting my eyes to the wretched TBR – if I want to read something, I generally do…
Wow, the water sure was rough. We are supposed to stay home as well, so I do my walk around the blocks behind my house. I always have my mask with me in case I run into others. I hope you have a great week Sarah and happy writing.
Thank you, Carla:)). Yes, it’s a while since I’ve been down to the beach when the water was quite so rough – fortunately the tide wasn’t high. We generally wear our masks, unless we’re down on the beach as there is enough space to keep our distance and there is always enough of a breeze down there to whisk any germs away. I hope you have a great week, too:)
I want to read the Connie Willis series. I am not sure why I don’t make time for it. I enjoyed your blog today. My Sunday Salon post
Thank you, Anne:)). I warn you – Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is an amazing read, but very, very bleak as it is set in the time of the Black Death – in strong contrast to the lovely lightheartedness of To Say Nothing of the Dog. But both can be read as standalones…
Wow.. the beach!! I can’t wait to go there soon. How awesome that you life so close by 😉
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Happy reading.
Thank you, Maureen – yes, we are so very lucky!
I love the cover of The Lord of Stariel. I’m a big MASH fan too and Monster MASH sounds like a fun read. Donna @ Girl Who Reads
Thank you, Donna – oh yes, do get hold of The Lord of Stariel! I thoroughly enjoyed it. And The Monster MASH is mostly a fun read and something a bit different:)).
You’ve had some lovely reading there. I fancy Winter’s Orbit and I wish I’d kept up with the Shardlake series.
Lynn 😀
Oh yes – it was a great month’s reading. I have caught up with Shardlake over the last 3 months – they make great audio listens:))
I got The Lord of Stariel on sale in December and haven’t gotten round to it yet, but everyone says it’s lovely so excited to read it.
I must admit I’m envious of your close to home walk. Where I live all I can see on walks are mud and, this time of year, empty fields and houses. Not even a stray tree or bush. I live in a … former village/developing suburb(?) whatever it is, it’s not optimized for walks.
I’m delighted that you have a copy of The Lord of Stariel – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Dianthaa. And yes – sorry to hear about the miserable lack of walks in your area. The trouble with the countryside, is that a lot of the paths are a muddy mess this time of year – which is another reason why we aim for the beach, instead of heading inland.
I am so pleased you enjoyed lots of lovely books (I really must start the Shardlake series for myself) and spending time with your elder grandson, SJ 🙂
It’s always a treat to spend time with the grandchildren and I’m aware I’m very lucky to be able to do so…