Stephen > Recent Status Updates

I liked this book. It was a quick read — I finished it in a few hours — a dark version of Joan of Arc. It got a little redundant and predictable at times, but it was still worth the read. It even made me want to add the author’s latest work to my TBR.

I just picked this up on Kindle. 1st three chapters down and I can already tell I’m already reading through the night. Anyone listening to the playlist? Do you listen to the tracks before after or during the read?

The younger characters grow significantly in this section. Che begins to step out of Stenwold’s shadow, grappling with her identity and role. Totho’s intellect shines, though he struggles with self-doubt. Salma’s charm contrasts with the group’s grim reality, while Tynisa wrestles with loyalty and her heritage. Their evolving dynamics deepen as they face growing danger.

By page 54 of Empire in Black and Gold, insect-themed Kinden races face looming war. The Wasp Empire threatens peace, but Stenwold Maker, a Beetle spy, struggles to rally allies. His protégés—Tisamon, Salma, Totho, and Che—promise deep arcs. Steampunk, intrigue, and personal dynamics keep the story engaging. Initially concerned with excessive war themes, I’m now captivated by rich characters & rising tension.

We haven’t heard from Bobby. Now Scott is drinking with Preacher-man Jack & the Bartos guy from earlier in the book. It’s like that Early Edition tv show where the guy gets the news early. Why he hasn’t cashed out his bank account or maxed out his credit cards is a mystery. He’s just out putting around town.

So far so good. Interesting concept, and JK Franks is working the character development and the buildout of the town and city rather well. I like that Scott (our main character) is a divorced cyclist with a Jeep living in his father’s old cottage that he and his brother (the prepper) renovated.

Okay, so I already know that I don’t subscribe to the author’s school of thought, or his obsession over the “ideals of reason, science humanism & progress” through the lens of Enlightenment, but I thought I’d stay on the ride to see where it goes.

I keep thinking this is started to get better, and then i realize it’s a romance book set in a sci-fi fantasy situation. I’m hoping she develops some other female characters, and the plot gets less soap opera, and more shoot em up.

so far ... I'm not totally hooked, but I am reading it whenever I get a chance.

This book, i can't seem to put it down. I'm rushing home to read it. Stealthily opening it up in the bathroom at work, and even sneaking off to grab lunch by myself so i can just keep reading it. Tell you more later . . .

This book, i can't seem to put it down. I'm rushing home to read it. Stealthily opening it up in the bathroom at work, and even sneaking off to grab lunch by myself so i can just keep reading it. Tell you more later . . .

The narrators voice is annoying. I am considering putting this one down.

I am getting more and more engrossed in this book. The writing is calculated and delicious in it's texture & form. The characters have unique and different lives, which come together for a very provocative an intensely interesting story. I'm really glad I picked this up. I'm finding that I am reading in-between breaks and late into the night.