Let's talk Books: Reading Challenge Update

As promised. I'm going to talk about books.

I'm challenging myself to read more this year. I've always enjoyed reading but never really had the patience for it until recently. Which is weird, right? I'm a writer. You'd think I loved reading for all my life.

Truth be told, I hated reading for most of my life. High school? Hated it. College, hated it. For whatever reason something clicked in my brain and now I love it.

So, the reading challenge is 25 books this year. It's April 17th and I'm through 8. So I should be able to. I took a little break after my last read (you'll find out which book in a sec) so I'm not as far along as I thought I'd be by now.

Onto the fun stuff. (I've got links to Amazon for each book if you want to check them out)

January

The Age of Madness Series

A Little Hatred: The first book introduces a world on the cusp of change. The Union has entered an Industrial Age, with chimneys rising all over Midderland. However, ancient powers persist, and life for the poor and downtrodden workers becomes increasingly challenging. Characters like Rikke (blessed with the Long Eye), Leo dan Brock, and Savine dan Glokta navigate ambition, power, and conflict.
The Trouble with Peace: The sequel continues the saga started in A Little Hatred. The sons and daughters of the previous book take center stage. Prince Orso grapples with being the heir apparent to the throne, while Vick dan Teufel, Jonas Clover, and Gunnar Broad face their own trials. War, politics, and personal struggles intertwine.

The Wisdom of Crowds: The final book brings the trilogy to a gripping conclusion. As the Industrial Age clashes with lingering magic, the fate of the Union hangs in the balance. Characters’ paths intersect, secrets unravel, and the world teeters on the edge of chaos.

This trilogy was great. I couldn't put it down and started each book as soon as I finished the previous. I highly recommend it.

February

Casino Royale: The first novel in the iconic James Bond series. Set during the Cold War, James Bond, the suave British secret service agent known as 007, accepts a mission. His target is Le Chiffre, a Russian agent and the paymaster for a SMERSH-controlled trade union.

As a lifelong James Bond fan, this has always been on my list. It's a great book. Short, action packed and leaves you wanting more.

Bookshops and Bonedust: The story follows a young, battle-hungry orc named Viv, who experiences an unexpected twist of fate when an injury diverts her from her chosen path. Forced to rest in a small town, Viv befriends the owner of a local failing bookshop. As she helps the struggling store improve, she also embarks on a summer romance with a dwarf who runs a bakery. Along the way, she encounters trouble and discovers that sometimes what we need isn’t always what we seek.

I liked this book so much more than I thought I would. It's cozy and warm. Reading it makes you happy.

March

The Secret History (Started and paused): Richard Papen transfers to Hampden College in Vermont. There, he becomes part of an exclusive ancient Greek program taught by the enigmatic Professor Julian Morrow. Joined by a group of five other students: Henry, Bunny, Francis, and twins Charles and Camilla. Despite feeling like an outsider initially, Richard gradually becomes more connected to the group. However, their lives take a dark turn when part of the group commit a murder during a bacchanal at Francis’s country house. The aftermath of this crime leads to secrets, guilt, and a chilling unraveling of their lives.

April

The Secret History (Finished)

I had to take a break with this one. I heard many great things so I really wanted to give it a shot. I paused about 100 pages in because it was, well, boring. I picked it back up after a couple of weeks and was glad I did. The book picked up and got interesting. It was good, but definitely not my favorite.

The Eyes of the Dragon: The novel takes place entirely in Delain, a kingdom reminiscent of Arthurian tales. King Roland is murdered, and his son and heir, Peter, is framed for the crime.

The evil magician Flagg, who served as an adviser to King Roland, secretly plots to destroy Delain by sowing discontent among the people. The story focuses on the contrasting upbringings of Peter and his brother, Thomas. As Peter and his loyal friends battle against Flagg’s machinations, they uncover secrets that will determine the kingdom’s destiny.

I've read this before but a colleague asked if I wanted to read it with her gain. I'm not a huge fan of Stephen King's horror but his fantasy stuff is excellent. highly recommend.

The Gunslinger: In the first novel of the Dark Tower series, it introduces the enigmatic protagonist, Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger. Roland embarks on a relentless pursuit of the elusive Man in Black through a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape.

I've read this series before too but after The Eyes of the Dragon, I couldn't help myself. Most of Stephen King's book as connected and They Eyes of the Dragon is connected to the Dark Tower in a big way. The Gunslinger is a little slower than the other books in the series but push through because it's going to get so great.