Reading roundup – August 12th 2016

August 12, 2016

Good morning and welcome to another reading roundup.

This week I finished Naomi Novik’s League of Dragons, the last in the Temeraire series.  As I mentioned in my last reading roundup, I skipped the intermediate seven books of the series and relied on Tor.com’s reread.  That wasn’t such a great idea in hindsight.  While there was a lot to love about the book – especially the narration (Simon Vance, people!) – I expect some of the emotional punches passed me by.  I did very much enjoy the whole theme of draconic rights and Temeraire’s commitment to improving his kind’s lot in life.  What did irk me though was the sudden switch in goals.  It seemed that every time our protagonists came near to achieving their goals, the posts were moved and they were sent off on another errand.  It did all come together in the end, but it did bother me at the time.

I gave League of Dragons three and a half stars out of five.

My library hold of Zen Cho’s Sorcerer to the Crown came through earlier and I’m enjoying it very much indeed – much more than I had anticipated.  I would place it in the genre of fantasy of manners in that it has a fantastical element but takes place in an Austen-style Regency setting.  This is a subgenre I definitely want to read more of.  Austen it is not, but the style is reminiscent of that era and I’m loving the characters.  The fact that our protagonists are a man of colour and a woman adds a fascinating aspect to the novel. I’m about half way through, so expect a full review at some point.

Onto some housekeeping;  my husband and I are setting off on vacation so I will be taking a short break from blogging.  Expect more reviews and roundups when I return!

Like many bookworms, I’m sure, planning my vacation reading list takes as much work as packing clothes!  At least with a Kindle, I’m not limited by bulk of how many books and audiobooks I can take.

For this summer trip, I’m planning on some light fare, nothing to heavy.  We are travelling by train, so a perfect time to catch up on reading.  I’m planning on following up with the Iron Druid series by Kevin Hearne.  As of now, I’ve read five of the currently published eight books.  The reason I’ve not finished the series yet is because they are absolutely wonderful – the audiobook is awesome – and I’ve been saving them for an appropriate time.  The characters and the humour are just perfect.  Now seems like a good time to catch up.  This is a series I’d definitely recommend in audiobook format.  Do yourselves a favour and check it out.

While we’re away Rick Riordan’s Hotel Valhalla – Guide to the Norse Worlds should hit my Kindle download queue.  That should also be a nice, light holiday read.  

If I’m in the mood for something a bit more meaty, I will continue with Kate Elliott’s Cold Fire.  I have been enjoying it, but it kept getting pushed to the back of my list by library books that had to be read before being returned.

So I’ll catch up with you when I get back.  Till then happy reading!

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