Tennyson > Recent Status Updates

Not really into it unfortunately, might DNF.

Temporary DNF. Read the prologue and just not feeling an epic grimdark fantasy currently, but will def return to it. The vibes are great and it seems like it could be an incredible epic grimdark.

Not crazy about this installment so far. I’m worried this is going to be a lot like Magelord (book iirc) in that rather than advancing the story, it’s essentially a pause in the story and focuses on the mundane development of another town/barony. Lots of talk on establishing trade, improving local economy, and living conditions. Nothing about main story elements.

I seriously can’t state how much I’ve loved this read. Nayler’s pacing is incredible and the development of this story and the characters has been uniquely unpredictable all along the way. With only a few chapters left I couldn’t hazard a guess where it’s actually going to go and what the fates of each character will be.

I’m absolutely obsessed with Ray Nayler and everything about his writing style. Where Mountain and the Sea has more environmental themes, this book is focused more on human governance, freedom, oppression, and the complexities of numerous styles of government. I do feel like this book does a much better job at pulling you in and keeping you turning the pages.

Magelord is definitely a bit of a step backwards as far as the intensity and excitement that the first two books have. In magelord the protagonist has left the frontlines of the war to assume stewardship of his newly granted fief and most of the book sees him dealing with his new tenants/citizens and trying to repair a run down fief. It’s like village lord simulator, the book.

Rushdie’s writing was unexpectedly very humorous, and in a way that often landed very well. The story reminds me a lot of Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens as well as American Gods. While I don’t think magical realism is one of my favorite genres, this is definitely one of the best examples of such that I’ve read.

While not a book I’m “tearing through”, I really do love Silent Spring. Not only for what it says but the almost poetic way it says it at times. It manages to be a beautiful book about tragic realities. Much has changed in the industry of environmental protection, in no small part due to this book, but the heart of the book is still exceedingly relevant.

So far WaT reads exactly like a Stormlight book reads. It’s not bad, but I certainly expect the second half to be much more page-turning as Sanderson employs his signature “Sanderlanche” style of pacing.

Heading to the DNF list, for now at least. I can’t put my finger on why but I just wasn’t ever pulled into the world or characters of the book. Definitely worth giving another shot at a later date.