Ulysese > Recent Status Updates

Accepted Audible reading challenge: Bobiverse Series Challenge to finish all 6 titles in the series by March 10, 2027. I read the first novel and dropped off not because of interest. The first novel is fast paced with advanced science concepts which keeps my interest high throughout the narrative.

First foray into anything Harry Potter. Surprised at the quality of story telling!

Story feels like I missed lore for the world developed. Enjoying the characters and plot despite missing the lore for the world.

Following the suggested reading order by subreddit horror lit. My interest started after reading The Keep. A brilliant WWII horror novel.

Is it too edgy or nihilistic? Excerpt from an early chapter: A priestess eyes are cutout and hands are cutoff for allowing a candle to blow out offending the gods. There has been a ton an exposition but none telling or showing the religious background. Prose and grim dark mix at intervals seems forced. Are there any metaphors in the prose I missed?

A boring slog of a story two thirds complete.

The central theme for each POV character is complicated. The theme is interspersed with reveals throughout their chapters but there does not appear to be a main thread.

The second act appears to be where the story begins. The psychological aspect confuses the narrative with the main protagonist.

Incredible storytelling by Anthony Horowitz (AH). The period piece comes alive with Atticus Pund and cast. These novels are excellent in every way. The investigation has a professional touch. Also, Susan Ryeland's character development is superb!

I love the "story-within-a-story" format with emphasis on intricate plotting and homage to classic Golden Age mysteries.

The plot and characters are paper thin. I found all the characters to be caricatures. Unfortunately, POV characters are not developed or believable. These characters were initially portrayed as newbies but performed like experts in everything. So many throwaway characters drag out chapter after chapter with little or nothing related to the plot.

Ten percent in and ominous feelings have started. Hoping characters are fully developed and move the plot. As a character focused reader plot driven stories with flat characters bore me to death especially when action takes the place of story telling. Occasionally I watch action-adventure movies as a palette cleaner but too much of anything is not a good thing.

My biggest complaint regarding the story plot introduction of time travel! Normally, time travel serves as a major plot device in science fiction and its usage rarely serves the story well. SOWWL introduced time travel and left me wondering why!

As a character based reader James Islington might be a favorite author. Loving the character and world building. It's a chunky book but at chapter 20 I have not encountered any filler.

The prose is stiff with tacked on verbiage giving an unnatural tone. The novel is told from the POV of a scribe. The world building keeps me interested. The characters are flat.

These period cozy mysteries are pallet cleansers. The language and mannerism are over the top. Without a good investigator gathering evidence these novels would be unreadable.

First novel by Sophie Hannah. Agatha Christie is a favorite author and I hope Sophie Hannah proves to be competent with murder mystery.

The plot thickens with POV characters making plans takes center stage. The plot is true to life in many aspects and I anxiously wait the continuing plot development.

Joe Abercrombie wastes no time with the great change. The story continues were the previous novel ended so the transition is believable. The reactions of main POV characters fits the occasion each finds themselves.

Brilliant story telling without waste or fan fiction.

The meticulous character building is peak! Supporting characters play a significant role throughout the story. I refer to The First Law wiki countless of times for details on the characters. Many characters have appeared in both trilogies as well as the standalone novels. Trying to find the slightest dislike is normally put to the side as the character growth catches up with the story.

First Law World continues to impress me with character and world development. Recurring characters and relations of the first trilogy is astutely written and narrated. The world continues to develop using real world contrivances.

At the 25% mark I am impressed with the story being narrated by Steve Pacey.

The more I read Joe Abercrombie's novels his writing ability stands out. Red Country could have been a novel dedicated to First Law fan fiction. Instead, his prodigious story telling shines and my interest never wavers.

There's a massive spoiler to be found and I cannot continue updating the journal without spoilers. All the First Law and standalone novels have been my favorites.

Day three of the battle ends with an abrupt offer of peach by the Union. The battle portrayed every emotion and across a wide range of individual POVs. The pacing was frenetic and non-stop and the battle was over. However, I await the next twist.

Halfway and Day Two of the battle on the hill. The character stories with depth and humor about human drama is JA at his best. The simplest of plot contrivances leaves to laughter and smiles.

Constantly looking for any twists and turns. Looks like there will be a war with minimal contrivances and backstabbing.

No plot is ever simple for Lord GrimDark!

Best Served Cold has become the best tale of vengeance stories I have read! The references to The First Law trilogy adds so much to both world and character development. Many authors would treat these references as easter eggs or as fan fiction akin to Star Wars. These references have me checking the wiki for those characters who appeared in the trilogy.

Best Served Cold is shaping up to be a 5 star novel.

The novel is less believable due to a teenager acting a detective. Also, the teenager is portrayed with a wandering eye and penchant for falling in love on first sight. Totally unnecessary to plot.

Joe Abercrombie could write a memo and I would be impressed. The clarity and detail of characters never lack in creativity or complexity. This revenge tale is shaping up to be something special!