Books

A standalone tale in Sanderson’s Cosmere that I quite enjoyed, despite it supposedly being one of the weaker novels set in his universe. If that’s the case, I’m looking forward to the others!

An insightful, entertaining, and at times slightly depressing insider account of 10 years of political dysfunction in the Tory party.

Another wonderful entry in the Tiffany Aching subseries of Discworld. Tiffany is a great protagonist, and as she grows up Sir Terry explores themes of responsibility and agency in ways that made me reflect on the later stages of his life following his diagnosis with what he named “The Embuggerance”.

This I choose to do. If there is a price, this I choose to pay. If it is my death, then I choose to die. Where this takes me, there I choose to go. I choose. This I choose to do.

More than other Stormlight books, I felt like sections of Rhythm of War dragged a bit. Like the others it’s a very long read, and the final act does contain a lot of payoffs that reward your patience, but the journey to get there could have been shorter. Nonetheless I’m eagerly awaiting the fifth volume in the series now that I’m up to date, and I’ll likely pick up some of the other books set in Sanderson’s Cosmere universe 🌌

These Words are accepted.

I loved Dawnshard - the Lopen, centre stage! A lighter and more humourous entry in The Stormlight Archive, with all the character development and world building Sanderson does so well.

Oathbringer follows Mr Sanderson’s formula of detailed world building, lengthy buildup, and an explosive final act where everything comes together. If I had one complaint, it would be that there wasn’t quite enough of the Lopen who is clearly one of the best characters in the series 😆 I hear that’s put right in book 3.5 of The Stormlight Archive though…

The most important step a man can take. It’s not the first one, is it? It’s the next one. Always the next step, Dalinar.

The Discworld series continues its exploration of darker themes in Thud! while retaining its trademark laugh-out-loud moments. I really enjoyed the continued evolution of Sam Vimes’ character while the book explored themes of race, prejudice, community, and tradition.

Water dripping on a stone, dissolving and removing. Changing the shape of the world, one drop at a time.

What I expected: a fun little interlude between main series books, featuring a minor character.

What I got: a fun little interlude between main series books, featuring a minor character and some plot development that is probably going to be really important for book 3. I’m glad I didn’t skip Edgedancer!

Book 2 of The Stormlight Archive is an absolute triumph. I’m loving the series and I’ll pick up book “2.5” next - it’s a novella that I think is technically optional, but I’m enjoying my time in Roshar so much I’ll read the in-between books too!

A reread of an impactful book that gave me a lot to reflect on. I bought extra copies to give away, because I think all men would benefit from reading it. We all need to talk more, and about the things that really matter.