Bobby Luke > Recent Status Updates

#6 (kinda) on the Time Magazine top 100 Fantasy Books of all time - the book on the list is actually the third in the series, Ozma of Oz, but I didn't want to just jump into the middle of the series. So going to read the first two as well!

# 5 on the Time Magazine top 100 fantasy books of all time. It’s fun so far. My library didn’t have a physical copy so I had to stoop getting an e-book - at least it was free.

(Continued from previous) - that all being said, the zany, nonsensical style of writing sometimes got in the way of me being invested or interested, as it very often felt so unexpectedly strange and unpredictable that I wasn’t interested in reading more. It is a good thing that the book was so short. I did really enjoy how the book ended, which might have saved it from being 3/5 stars. On to the next one!

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: 4/5 Stars. The prose is so whimsical and funny, I understand why it was included in the time magazine list that I am reading through (especially as from what I understand this book was one that inspired more usage of this style of writing from other authors). There were several points in the story where I laughed out loud. (Continued on next update)

Only including portions of George Washington’s farewell address? Say it’s a Great American Document that I should read, and then not include it in its entirety? Getting mixed signals here book editors. 🤔

#3 and #4 on the Time Magazine top 100 fantasy novels of all time. Looking forward to it!

“A Dance in Fire” was a really fun read. Somehow never read any of these in any of the games - and I was missing a real gem! Love that I get to read more of Decumus Scotti’s adventures now in “The Argonian Account”

SO EXCITED TO READ THESE

Moment Zero - As I went through the story I didn’t think it was one that I was going to like as much as the others, but it grew on me by the end. When it all came together jt was really cool. I would love to know more of the science/rules behind it all, but I am glad he didn’t fill the story with that. I also want to know more about the voices…what are they? What do they want?

Mitosis - Fun addition to the Reckoners series. Not my favorite of this collection, but still fun.

Firstborn: Really liked this one. I had said to myself while reading that it reminded me of Ender’s Game, and Sanderson confirmed in the postscript that it was his response to Ender’s Game. I would love for this to be an even longer story someday. I especially liked the message at the end: “Better to be the failure that nobly strived than the success who never really had to”

Defending Elysian - Really great story, and blows my mind that the ideas for the cytoverse started in his head that long ago.

Probability Approaching Zero - very short, just barely over a full page - I was very thankful for the Postscript explaining what this is (flash fiction), as I would have been much more confused otherwise.

Perfect State: The spiciest (at least on page) that I have read from Sanderson. Also an interesting take on a few science fiction tropes. I especially liked all of the commentary at the end, he thinks it might have been overkill, but I loved the glimpse into his brain.

Dreamer: Fun, I saw where it was going (or at least had a pretty good idea) a little ways into the story. I like the story and the postscript where Sanderson explains his motivations for writing it. And I agree with him.

Brain Dump: Short, kinda weird, but still fun.

Snapshot - Really good, interesting concept, and really depressing.

O boy. Not sure what I am getting myself into with this one.

Herman grid is really cool, holy cow.

These knights cause themselves so many self inflicted wounds by constantly insisting to fight each other because of pride, even when they are in the middle of fighting bad guys! Then after they fight they realize that they are actually friends and regret fighting each other. Just have some self control you idiots and don’t let pride dictate everything you do. 🤦‍♂️

Also, Sir Kay is an idiot and should stop running his mouth. Every time he tries to mock someone he is wrong. Doesn’t listen to any of the other knights that call him out for it either. Really hoping someone (or multiple someone’s) shut his dang mouth at some point here.

The concept of “courtly love” is so unfamiliar, confusing and silly to me. Knight professes his love to a lady he can’t have, typically a queen who is already married. Spends his whole life doing acts of bravery and service for her. In the few instances where a knight weds an available, unmarried lady - it is considered a scandalous, unfaithful betrayal to his “lady” that he couldn’t be with anyway. Dumb

Trying to blast out a few books here on New Year’s Eve to meet my reading goal. 🤣😅

Book #2 of the Time Magazine 100 Greatest Fantasy Books of All time, let’s go!!

“If I were Alma, and Korihor came attacking me about the love and existence of God, there is a lot I could point out to him to prove my belief, but I think I would just take him to the beach-or toss him an orange.”

Always excited for Chronicles of Narnia references!

Haha - Dr. Who Reference!!

“Intolerance has been the greatest hindrance to progress in every period of time; yet under the sable cloak of perverted zeal for religion, nations, while boasting of their civilization, and professed ministers of the Gospel of Christ, have stained the pages of the world’s history with the record of such unholy deeds of persecution as to make the heavens weep.”

I am so excited!!

“The Haunter in the Dark” - Pretty good way to end this collection. Short, scary, and interesting.