LeahBird's List of Books (Probably Listened to in the Car) in 2017!

I'm back for another year of reading and chatting! Hopefully more of the latter this year as we all seemed to be a tad quiet last year. I'm still a nerd on a farm who reads a lot of fantasy, science fiction, and young adult, and is completely baby crazy, so not much has changed.

2016 was rough, in life and in reading. Here's to hoping 2017 is brighter all around!

TOP TEN BOOKS OF 2016

1. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (4.75)
2. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (4.84 but a reread)
3. LumberJanes Vol.1-Vol. 3 by Noelle Stevenson (4.33)
4. The Wicked & The Divine Vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen (4.33)
5. The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home by Catherynne M Valente (4.17)
6. A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab (4)
7. The League of Dragons by Naomi Novik (4)
8. Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire (3.92)
9. In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan (3.83)
10. Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi (3.75)

Honorable Mentions

Bump: How to Make, Grow, and Birth a Baby by Kate Evans (4.5)- for being a really outstanding guide to not only conception and birth, but for basically being an awesome owner's manual for the woman who really wants to understand her own body. And for not being boring. And for having great illustrations. And for including diversity of skin color and experiences.

The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket (3.75)- for being a high point in a series I really want to love

I'm superbly shocked that a Harry Potter book was published this year and isn't making it's way onto this list....

And because it really is my favorite end of year thing!

END OF YEAR 2016 BOOK MEME!

Describe yourself: The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home

Describe how you feel: A Darker Shade of Magic

Describe where you currently live: In the Labyrinth of Drakes

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Magician's Land

Your favorite form of transportation: League of Dragons

Your best friend is: Monstress

You and your friends are: The Ladies of Grace Adieu

What’s the weather like: A Gathering of Shadows

You fear: All the Birds in the Sky

What is the best advice you have to give: The Dark Is Rising

Thought for the day: Beware the Kitten Holy

How you would like to die: Imprudence

Your soul’s present condition: The Wicked & The Divine

I am part of the group.
I love being part of the group.
I love the friendships bestowed upon my by dint of my membership of this wonderful fellowship.
I love that race and creed and gender and age and sexuality and nationality make absolutely no difference to our being a valued member of the group.

Thank you for also being part of the group.

Welcome back!

Happy reading in 2017, Leah!

Happy new thread! Love the book meme, and I cackled outright at "Imprudence!"

Stopping by to say hi and drop a star!

>3 PaulCranswick: That really is my favorite thing right now. I'm so happy to be part of this family.

>4 drneutron: Thanks for always giving us a home Jim!

>5 FAMeulstee: To you as well FAM!

>6 foggidawn: Thanks! I particularly liked the irony of someone with my username being afraid of "all the birds in the sky!" Haha!

>7 tapestry100: Hi David!

Welcome back! How much snow did you end up getting down your way? We had about 4 inches over here.

About the same here. I cancelled the classes I was teaching today for fear of my driveway. 😉 The driveway isn't much better now but the road is clear so hopefully I'll make it down safely tomorrow. I know you have a steep driveway too, hope it's not going to be too bad for you.

>10 leahbird: I cleared my driveway yesterday. There's a bit of black ice on my road, but it's mostly just a patch right outside my driveway. I think I can make it to church. I'll soon find out.

1. The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description: There is nothing to be found in the pages of A Series of Unfortunate Events but misery and despair. You still have time to choose another international best-seller to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on ...The Ersatz Elevator is the sixth installment in A Series of Unfortunate Events in which Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire encounter a darkened staircase, a red herring, friends in a dire situation, three mysterious initials, a liar with an evil scheme, a secret passageway and parsley soda.

Thoughts: Another good installment in the series! Now that there is more to the mystery than Count Olaf being a terrible person, the books are starting to feel a bit less formulaic and a lot more interesting.

I don't think I'm going to be finished with the books before the show releases on Friday, but I should be far enough along that I can watch a few episodes that day without running the risk of spoiling anything. I've got 6 1/4 more books to get through (I'm almost finished with The Vile Village now), but my pace of listening has slowed a bit with other things going on.

Tim Curry returns to narrating with this one and it's rather nice to have him back. Lemony Snicket really isn't bad, but Tim Curry has a great voice, especially for the melancholic events of these books.

Rating: 3.75

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 4
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

SHERLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!

ETA: I have so many thoughts, most good, but I'm not able to articulate them at this time because OH OH OH!

2. The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description: There is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on..."The Vile Village": Why would anyone want to open a book containing such unpleasant matters as migrating crows, an angry mob, a newspaper headline, the arrest of innocent people, the Deluxe cell, and some very strange hats.

Thoughts: This one wasn't as good as the last but there were some good developments so, all in all, not bad.

Rating: 3.33

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

So, after a couple of years of being "pending" on various websites, including Amazon, it finally looks like The Painted Queen is going to be released in July! This is the book that Elizabeth Peters (Barbara Mertz) was editing when she died.

Can't wait to get back into the life of Amelia and her family. I think I need to reread the books that come before this one chronologically, which might just be 14 or so. ::smacks head::

>15 leahbird: My sister loves these books! I'll have to let her know it's being released.

3. The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description: There is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on...The Hostile Hospital - There are many pleasant things to read about, but this book contains none of them. Within its pages are such burdensome details as a suspicious shopkeeper, unnecessary surgery, heartshaped balloons, and some very starling news about a fire. Clearly you do not want to read about such things.

Thoughts: I didn't particularly love the action of this one, it felt pretty slim, but I really enjoyed the fact that the driving force of the stories has changed now. Rather than being dumped in one unfortunate situation after another by Mr. Poe, the Baudelaire's have, out of necessity, struck out on their own. It's a great thing to see them directly pursuing truth instead of just trying to avoid Olaf.

Rating: 3.67

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

4. The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description: There is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on...The Carnivorous Carnival - This carnivorous volume contains such a distressing story that consuming any of its contents would be far more stomach-turning than even the most imbalanced meal. To avoid causing discomfort, it would be best if I didn't mention any of the ingredients of this story, particularly a confusing map, an ambidextrous person, an unruly crowd, a wooden plank and Chabo the Wolf Baby. Your time might be better filled with something more palatable such as eating your vegetables or feeding them to someone else.

Thoughts: This one was a dud for me. The action was tedious and felt too ridiculous, even for a Snicket book. The "freaks" annoyed me. It is notable however that this is the first time the Baudelaires are actively pursuing Olaf rather than being pursued by him or just hunting for information.

Rating: 2.83

Liked: 2.5
Plot: 2.5
Characterization: 2.5
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

>18 leahbird: I feel like the author really stretched that series too thin in order to have 13 books in the series. Some of the late-middle ones don't really add much, but the last two or three are a little better.

Agree very much. I'm almost done with The Slippery Slope now and it's better.

Hi!

I'm glad to see The Wicked + The Divine was one of your favourites from last year. It's been on my TBR for a while now as I can't tell if it's something I'll likely enjoy or not. I like the artwork, at least, and it sounds interesting. Guess I'll have to take a leap of faith.

>21 PawsforThought: The first one was great, the second not so much, but it's headed back to good now.

I marched in the Women's March in Knoxville today with my sister and niece. It was amazing. Even in the rain, they estimate that 5000 people showed up. Lots of children and men there in support too. It was peaceful, positive, hopeful, inclusive. I hope the momentum keeps us rolling towards equality and justice for everyone, regardless of gender, color, religion, sexuality, ability, or country of origin.

Love the photos from the march. I've been gorging myself on photos all night yesterday and all of this morning. Instills hope.

5. The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description:There is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on..."The Slippery Slope". Like handshakes, house pets or raw carrots, many things are preferable when not slippery. Unfortunately the Baudelaires run into more than their fair share of slipperiness during their harrowing journey up and down a range of strange and distressing mountains. In order to spare you repulsion it is best not to mention any more regarding a secret message, a toboggan, a deceitful trap, a swarm of snow gnats and a scheming villain.

Thoughts: Pretty good. Nice revelations and some new information without clearning TOO much up at once.

Rating: 3.92

Liked: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4.5

6. The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description: There is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on..."The Grim Grotto". Unless you are a slug, a sea anemone or mildew you probably prefer not to be damp. But unfortunately the Beaudelaires encounter an unpleasant amount of dampness as they descend into the depths of despair, underwater. You may wish to delve into some happier book in order to keep your eyes and your spirits from being moistened.

Thoughts: Not one of my favorites in the series. I feel like this was a needless tangent.

Rating: 3.42

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4.5

7. The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description: There is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on...The Penultimate Peril. Sadly this next-to-last chronicle of the lives of the Baudelaire orphans, and it is next-to-first in its supply of unpleasantness. Probably the next-to-last things you would like to read about are a harpoon gun, a rooftop sunbathing salon, two mysterious initials, three unidentified triplets, a notorious villain and an unsavoury curry. Next-to-last things are the first thing to be avoided!

Thoughts: This was quite a good chapter in the series, even if it was a little thin on plot. If this had been fully fleshed out it would have made a great ending to the series.

Rating: 4

Liked: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4.5

8. The End by Lemony Snicket (read by Tim Curry)


Description: There is nothing to be found in the pages of these books but misery and despair. You still have time to choose something else to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on..."The End". This book is the last in "A Series of Unfortunate Events", and even if you braved the previous twelve volumes, you probably can't stand such unpleasantries as a fearsome storm, a suspicious beverage, a herd of wild sheep, an enormous bird cage, and a truly haunting secret about the Baudelaire parents.

Thoughts: This was a HUGE let down. Probably spoilers but I don't care really. First, they end up leaving the main story altogether to wash up on an island with a weirdo in charge who, NATURALLY, is totally connected to VFD and the Baudelaire parents. And that's it! The story never returns to the main action and gives almost zero resolution. It's SO STUPID! And I'm so bummed.

Rating: 2.83

Liked: 2.5
Plot: 2.5
Characterization: 2.5
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

9. Lemony Snicket: The Unauthorized Biography by Lemony Snicket


Description: A Warning from the Publisher:

Many readers have questions about Lemony Snicket, author of the distressing serial concerning the trials of the charming but unlucky Baudelaire orphans, published under the collective title A Series of Unfortunate Events. Before purchasing, borrowing, or stealing this book, you should be aware that it contains the answers to some of those questions, such as the following:

1. Who is Lemony?

2. Is there a secret organization I should know about?

3. Why does Lemony Snicket spend his time researching and writing distressing books concerning the Baudelaire orphans?

4. Why do all of Lemony Snicket's books contain a sad dedication to a woman named Beatrice?

5. If there's nothing out there, what was that noise?

Our advice to you is that you find a book that answers less upsetting questions than this one. Perhaps your librarian, bookseller, or parole officer can recommend a book that answers the question, "Aren't ponies adorable?"

Thoughts: Rather pointless but fine. I was hoping for something that actually cleared some of the ABANDONED threads from the series, but this isn't it.

Rating: 3.4

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5

I read the first two Series of Unfortunate Events books when I was in middle/high school and I hated them. But I'm quite enjoying the Netflix series! Have you started watching yet?

Yes, I watched it already and loved it. The director did Pushing Daisies, one of my all time favorite shows, and well Neil Patrick Harris, so I was pretty sure I was going to love it.

I get that these are genuine kids books, not the complicated moral philosophy masquerading as children's lit that is HP, so I give a lot of leeway but it would have been nice if the story had had a cohesive plot and some SEMBLANCE of a point at the end. ;(

I didn't realize how long it'd been since I posted here. Man this is not my LT year. The day after I last posted, February 16th, my grandfather passed away. It was a relief as he had been quite sick since my grandmother passed in November and he was so unhappy being without her. There were a long few weeks leading up to his passing but he died peacefully at home with all his children in the house.

To keep their house (in the middle of town) from being empty, I moved from my house on the farm to look after it. We'll be putting it on the market in the near future but my life has been taken up with cleaning and decluttering 55 years of life in this house. Mostly in the form of baskets. Like baskets and baskets and baskets. Why does anyone need so many baskets?

So I've been there about a month now. I finally got internet because I was going to go insane, but the only computer I took with me was my Kindle and it's not really LT Talk friendly.

I also just realized looking back that I never mentioned that my nephew was born January 20th. I talked about the Women's March the following day so I don't know how I missed that... Walker Ladd is now 2 months old and is a joy. My grandfather got to meet him on Valentine's Day, just 2 before he died and we are so incredibly thankful for that.

And now life carries on. I've got book reviews I need to post but who knows when I 'll get to that...

>28 leahbird: There's something about baskets -- they're very tempting to purchase. I usually manage to resist, thinking, "What would I put in this? I don't really need this!" -- but sometimes they get the better of me.

>29 foggidawn: I don't know how many of them she bought for herself and how many came as vessels for gifts and she couldn't part with them. They filled 8 lawn size trash bags on their way to Habitat ReStore. One closet was basically nothing but empty baskets.

ETA: I'm a sucker for a good bowl or pitcher. I guess we all have our things.

10. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (read by Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle De Cuir, David Birney, and more)


Description: Once again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a final assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens. But who?

Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child.

Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. He excels in simulated war games. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions? After all, Battle School is just a game. Isn't it?

Thoughts: I'd held off reading this for ages because 1) I was worried it was too sci-fi for my tastes and 2) I know Card's reputation as a pretty aggressive homophobe. I saw the movie when it was on one of the movie channels and I liked it ok so I thought I'd give the books a try.

I was pleasantly surprised by Ender's Game. It was better than the movie and I didn't feel any hint of obvious homophobia. I was surprised that the character starts out so young in the book. Ender is already a pre-teen or teen when the movie starts and he doesn't age but he is 5 years old at the beginning of this story. It was bad enough thinking of it all taking place in a year or so, but a kid being separated from their family at 5 to basically never return.... That's pretty nasty.

There is a lot to recommend this book. The philosophical issues are engaging and the tactical education is interesting. The inner battle that Ender faces is rich and complex. Big difference between the book and the movie: Ender's siblings have actual agency and lives of impact all on their own. There's also a detail that's left out of the ending of the movie that makes me think they aren't planning on making any more of the books into movies.

Rating: 4

Liked: 4
Plot: 4
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

11. Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card (read by Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle De Cuir, David Birney, and more)


Description: In the aftermath of his terrible war, Ender Wiggin disappeared, and a powerful voice arose: The Speaker for the Dead, who told the true story of the Bugger War.

Now, long years later, a second alien race has been discovered, but again the aliens' ways are strange and frightening...again, humans die. And it is only the Speaker for the Dead, who is also Ender Wiggin the Xenocide, who has the courage to confront the mystery...and the truth.

Speaker for the Dead, the second novel in Orson Scott Card's Ender Quintet, is the winner of the 1986 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1987 Hugo Award for Best Novel.

Thoughts: This book is a huge departure from the tone and plot of Ender's Game. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. This book isn't really all that much about Ender. He's there and plays a part in the things that happen, but the story is a look at xenologly and xenobiology and what toll it can take to interact with species you don't fully understand. This part of the story was of great interest to me, being an Anthropologist. There just isn't enough of it. Too much of it is used as a reason for actions in the story without really fleshing the interactions out enough. Which is too bad because THAT book would have been really great.

Rating: 3.63

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.75
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

Currently 7 reviews behind... At least I'm still reading. And occasionally keeping up with your threads, but mine has been left for dead. One day I might actually get back to this thing. ;(

12. Xenocide by Orson Scott Card (read by Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle De Cuir, David Birney, and more)


Description: The war for survival of the planet Lusitania will be fought in the heart of a child named Gloriously Bright.

On Lusitania, Ender found a world where humans and pequininos and the Hive Queen could all live together; where three very different intelligent species could find common ground at last. Or so he thought.

Lusitania also harbors the descolada, a virus that kills all humans it infects, but which the pequininos require in order to become adults. The Starways Congress so fears the effects of the descolada, should it escape from Lusitania, that they have ordered the destruction of the entire planet, and all who live there. The Fleet is on its way, a second xenocide seems inevitable.

Thoughts: This one was a real up and down. The parts on Path were pretty interesting and some of the Lusitania plot is compelling. Ultimately, however, this one is way to much thought experiment and not enough story. I was particularly turned off by the creation of Young Val and Peter. Having finished the next book, I can still say I'd rather they just weren't a thing. It's creepy.

Rating: 3.17

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

13. Ticker by Lisa Mantchev (read by Fiona Hardingham)


Description: When Penny Farthing nearly dies, brilliant surgeon Calvin Warwick manages to implant a brass “Ticker” in her chest, transforming her into the first of the Augmented. But soon it’s discovered that Warwick killed dozens of people as he strove to perfect another improved Ticker for Penny, and he’s put on trial for mass murder.

On the last day of Warwick’s trial, the Farthings’ factory is bombed, Penny’s parents disappear, and Penny and her brother, Nic, receive a ransom note demanding all of their Augmentation research if they want to see their parents again. Is someone trying to destroy the Farthings...or is the motive more sinister?

Desperate to reunite their family and rescue their research, Penny and her brother recruit fiery baker Violet Nesselrode, gentleman-about-town Sebastian Stirling, and Marcus Kingsley, a young army general who has his own reasons for wanting to lift the veil between this world and the next. Wagers are placed, friends are lost, romance stages an ambush, and time is running out for the girl with the clockwork heart.

Thoughts: This was a bit light on wordbuilding and fully fleshing out motivations, but the characters are wonderful and the story is fun. A quite enjoyable listen.

Rating: 3.96

Liked: 4
Plot: 3.75
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

14. Children of the Mind by Orson Scott Card (read by Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle De Cuir, David Birney, and more)


Description: The planet Lusitania is home to three sentient species: the Pequeninos; a large colony of humans; and the Hive Queen, brought there by Ender. But once against the human race has grown fearful; the Starways Congress has gathered a fleet to destroy Lusitania.

Jane, the evolved computer intelligence, can save the three sentient races of Lusitania. She has learned how to move ships outside the universe, and then instantly back to a different world, abolishing the light-speed limit. But it takes all the processing power available to her, and the Starways Congress is shutting down the Net, world by world.

Soon Jane will not be able to move the ships. Ender's children must save her if they are to save themselves.

Thoughts: Ugh. The things I liked least about Xenocide are all the things that are featured in this one. Just did NOT work for me. I know one has to suspend disbelief to a certain extent in sci-fi and fantasy, but I couldn't make this leap.

Rating: 2.96

Liked: 2.75
Plot: 2.75
Characterization: 2.5
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

15. Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley (read by Jayne Entwistle)


Description: In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. It’s amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one’s spirits. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core.

Thoughts: I will admit that the random murder mysteries are starting to wear a bit thin in this wonderful series. The characters, especially Flavia, are still wonderful and richly written, and the thread of the de Luce lives in the opulent squalor of their somewhat crumbling mansion is still as interesting as ever, but I just find myself less and less interested in the mysteries Flavia finds herself embroiled in.

The death of her father was a real blow. Bradley twisted the knife with that one. Everyone keeping her away and her being too wrapped up in the case to realize time wasn't going to stand still for her were almost too much for me. Way to hook me back in at the last minute Bradley and ensure I will keep reading. (Who am I kidding? I was going to keep reading anyway. Flavia is too much to let go of.)

Rating: 3.83

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4.5
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

16. Mort(e) by Robert Repino (read by Bronson Pinchot)


Description: The “war with no name” has begun, with human extinction as its goal. The instigator of this war is the Colony, a race of intelligent ants who, for thousands of years, have been silently building an army that would forever eradicate the destructive, oppressive humans. Under the Colony's watchful eye, this utopia will be free of the humans' penchant for violence, exploitation and religious superstition. As a final step in the war effort, the Colony uses its strange technology to transform the surface animals into high-functioning two-legged beings who rise up to kill their masters.

Former housecat turned war hero, Mort(e) is famous for taking on the most dangerous missions and fighting the dreaded human bio-weapon EMSAH. But the true motivation behind his recklessness is his ongoing search for a pre-transformation friend—a dog named Sheba. When he receives a mysterious message from the dwindling human resistance claiming Sheba is alive, he begins a journey that will take him from the remaining human strongholds to the heart of the Colony, where he will discover the source of EMSAH and the ultimate fate of all of earth's creatures.

Thoughts: The concept here is very original and very much drew me in. The execution was less successful. There are too many abrupt jumps forward in the story. This isn't always a problem, but Repino has chosen to jump over a lot of what would have been very interesting story and instead dumped us in it's aftermath and rather than making this a story about Mort(e)'s journey through the war and his personal journey to find Sheba, it's skips the development of Mort(e)'s character altogether and then makes the Sheba story some deus ex machina that felt super far fetched even in a story like this and hollow to boot. Plus, the idea that Sheba alone is still an "animal" animal is pretty creepy. She's completely infantilized. I mean, she is literally the ONLY thing on the planet that doesn't have human-like intelligence except for plants! If she had changed when the others did and had her own experiences and story to tell, I think it would have been much more powerful. And less weird.

Rating: 3.42

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

17. The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (read by Polly Lee)


Description: In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has transformed from a gawky teenager into a powerful monarch. As she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, the headstrong, visionary leader has also transformed her realm. In her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies—including the evil Red Queen, her fiercest rival, who has set her armies against the Tear.

To protect her people from a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable—she gave herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy—and named the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, regent in her place. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign, imprisoned in Mortmesne.

Now, as the suspenseful endgame begins, the fate of Queen Kelsea—and the Tearling itself—will finally be revealed.

Thoughts: I wasn't much of a fan of The Invasion of the Tearling, the second book in this series, but I really wanted to see how things ended so I persevered and listened to the last book in the trilogy. I probably shouldn't have bothered. This one is better than the second book, but not by a huge margin and the things that happen here felt so divorced from the first book that I don't feel any great sense of completion. Too bad. I really thought Erika Johansen had something with The Queen of the Tearling but I'm a bit soured on it now.

Rating: 3.17

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

18. Within the Sanctuary of Wings by Marie Brennan (read by Kate Reading)


Description: After nearly five decades (and, indeed, the same number of volumes), one might think they were well-acquainted with the Lady Isabella Trent--dragon naturalist, scandalous explorer, and perhaps as infamous for her company and feats of daring as she is famous for her discoveries and additions to the scientific field.

And yet--after her initial adventure in the mountains of Vystrana, and her exploits in the depths of war-torn Eriga, to the high seas aboard The Basilisk, and then to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia--the Lady Trent has captivated hearts along with fierce minds. This concluding volume will finally reveal the truths behind her most notorious adventure--scaling the tallest peak in the world, buried behind the territory of Scirland's enemies--and what she discovered there, within the Sanctuary of Wings.

Thoughts: I was really excited for this volume even though I was sad it was going to be the last in the series. While still good, this is not the finale I was hoping for. Isabella makes an astounding discovery and it's almost completely boring. And then it's over.

It's not terrible, it's still Marie Brennan, but by now we expect more.

Rating: 3.5

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

19. Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters (read by Susan O'Malley)


Description: Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her first Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been ''ruined'' and abandoned on the streets of Rome by her rascally lover. With a typical disregard for convention, Amelia promptly hires her fellow countrywoman as a companion and takes her to Cairo.

Eluding Evelyn's former lover, who wants her back, and Evelyn's cousin Lord Ellesmere, who wishes to marry her, the two women sail up the Nile to an archaeological site that is home to a rather lively mummy. Soon strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn.

Thoughts: I think this is the 4th time I've read this particular book in the Amelia Peabody series. It's still charming and funny as ever. I still wish someone really amazing narrated it, like Katherine Kellgren or a full cast of really talented voice actors. But it's still great. Amelia never disappoints.

I started this reread so that I can pick up the new (and last ::sob::) installment in the series. The new one, The Painted Queen is chronologically number 14, so I've got a way to go before July 25th.... better get reading!

Rating: 4

Liked: 4
Plot: 4
Characterization: 4.5
Writing: 4
Audio: 3.5

20. The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters (read by Susan O'Malley)


Description: Victorian gentlewoman Amelia Peabody Emerson and her archaeologist husband are busy raising their young son; yet Amelia dreams only of the dust and detritus of ancient civilizations. Happily, circumstances are about to demand their immediate presence in Egypt. Sir Henry Baskerville had just discovered a tomb in Luxor when he promptly died under bizarre circumstances. The tabloids scream of The Curse of the Pharaohs!

Amelia and her husband arrive to find the camp in disarray and the workers terrified. A ghost even appears. It is not at all what Amelia considers an atmosphere conducive to scientific discovery. Thus the indomitable Victorian sets about bringing order to chaos and herself close to danger. How Amelia triumphs over evil and those who would stand between her and her beloved antiquities makes for a delightfully spirited adventure.

Thoughts: This is one of my

Rating: 3.75

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4.5
Writing: 4
Audio: 3.5

HOLY SMOKES! I'm actually caught up on reviews! Just went back in and filled out the ones I'd skipped, which was hard because I finished some of those books.... 4 months ago. ;(

But I'm current for like the next 5 minutes. Hopefully I can keep it up for a little bit.

21. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor(read by Robin Miles)


Description: Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs.

Knowledge comes at a cost, one that Binti is willing to pay, but her journey will not be easy. The world she seeks to enter has long warred with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti's stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach.

If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself ― but first she has to make it there, alive.

Thoughts: I'd been meaning to get around to reading this for a while. When the book I was listening to returned to the library in the middle of listening to it, I was lucky enough to get this with no wait list. And it was wonderful! Okorafor paints the experiences of Binti very well and Robin Miles has a beautiful reading voice, warm and clear and full of Binti's African cadence.

But it's so short! I don't know why I didn't realize this was a short story but I didn't and when I realized that the story seemed to be rapidly heading towards a conclusion I was about 2 hours and 87% into the story. This was rather disappointing as I was really ready to burrow down into Binti's story for a good long while. Unfortunately, Binti:Home seems to be almost as short and there is no audiobook. That's not a deal breaker, but I will very much miss Robin Miles voice. ;(

Rating: 4.17

Liked: 4
Plot: 4
Characterization: 4.5
Writing: 4
Audio: 4.5

22. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness (read by James Fouhey)


Description: The Rest of Us Just Live Here is a bold and irreverent novel that powerfully reminds us that there are many different types of remarkable.

What if you aren't the Chosen One? The one who's supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death?

What if you're like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again.

Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week's end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.

Even if your best friend is worshiped by mountain lions.

Thoughts: This has been on my radar since it came out but for a long time I couldn't borrow it in audiobook format. Luckily that finally changed and I snatched this up when I could. To be really honest, even though I knew this was supposed to be about the normal people that fantasy YA books usually ignore at the outskirts of the story, I was still expecting more fantasy in the main story. It certainly kicks up towards the middle and especially the end, but for a while I was kinda confused by what this book really was. I got over it because it's still a good story about feeling weird and broken as a teenager and sometimes actually being a bit broken. But there is enough fantasy stuff around the edges and a bit through the main story that it's not your average teen angst story.

I really liked how naturally and sensitively LGBTQ issues were threaded into the story. I appreciate a narrator and main character that is male and straight who has not only no qualms with his best male friend being gay but also doesn't shy away from admitting that they've fooled around because they are horny teenage boys. This could have been an element that was exploitative but the vibe really comes off as these two characters love and respect each other and are mature enough to sexually explore each other without using each other or being weird about it or the gay guy pining after the straight friend he can never have. They are each other's people and sometimes that means they get sexual. Thank you.

Rating: 3.92

Liked: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

My 9th Thingaversary was a few days ago. I'm trying not to buy for the sake of buying so instead of getting stuff for myself (other than my endless preorders these days), I bought books for my niece and nephew. Addy is reading all kinds of things and was more than willing to pick out a pile of books. Walker is just 5 months old but I found the perfect one for Daddy to read to him since my brother thinks he is the BBQ king of the world.

Happy Thingaversary!

>46 leahbird: Belated happy Thingaversary, Leah!
I like your idea of buying books for others :-)

23. The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters (read by Susan O'Malley)


Description: Radcliffe Emerson, the irascible husband of fellow archaeologist Amelia Peabody, has earned the nickname "Father of Curses"—and in Mazghunah he demonstrates why. Denied permission to dig at the pyramids of Dahshoor, he and Amelia are resigned to excavating mounds of rubble in the middle of nowhere. But before long Amelia, Emerson, and their precocious son, Ramses, find themselves entangled in The Mummy Case

In Cairo, before setting out to the site, Amelia visits an antiquities dealer to inquire about some papyri for her brother-in-law, Walter. At the dealer's shop she interrupts a mysterious-sounding conversation. And then, even more alarmingly, the dealer attempts to refuse to sell her a scrap of papyrus Ramses discovers in the back room. When the dealer is found dead in his shop just a day later, Amelia becomes convinced that foul play is at hand, a suspicion that is further confirmed when she catches sight of the sinister stranger from the crime scene at her own excavation site.

But it takes more than Amelia's keen instincts to convince Emerson of dastardly deeds. When Ramses's scrap of papyrus is stolen from their camp, and a neighboring tourist is relieved of an entire mummy, Emerson concedes that they may be facing something more ominous than a simple grave robber. Aided (to their dismay) by Ramses and his preternaturally intelligent cat, Bastet, Amelia and Emerson turn their detective skills to investigating the neighboring suspects, including a trio of missionaries, a widowed German baroness, and even the head of the Department of Antiquities. But when the Emersons start digging for answers in an ancient tomb, events take a darker and deadlier turn—and there may be no surviving the very modern terrors their efforts reveal.

Filled with spine-tingling suspense, precise archaeological and historical detail, and Amelia Peabody's trademark witty, wry voice, Elizabeth Peters's The Mummy Case is a classic installment in the beloved Amelia Peabody series

Thoughts: The introduction of Ramses as an actual character and not just the child they are hesitant to leave behind makes this one of my favorites in the series. The introduction of the Master Criminal is rather underserved here but it marks the beginning of a great portion of the plot of the series that provides some of the best material for Peters so rereading this one reminds me how fun the books to come are.

The audio quality on this one is terrible though. Susan O'Malley will never be my favorite narrator but she isn't all that bad. This recording includes a BUNCH of weird instances where they must have rerecorded sections and the quality is bad but the voices are TERRIBLE. I don't know how she can sound the same across different books but not across some rerecording, but it's so distracting.

Rating: 3.75

Liked: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 3

24. Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters (read by Susan O'Malley)


Description: The 1895-96 season promises to be an exceptional one for Amelia Peabody, her dashing Egyptologist husband Emerson, and their wild and precocious eight-year-old son Ramses. The much-coveted burial chamber of the Black Pyramid in Dahshoor is theirs for the digging. But there is a great evil in the wind that roils the hot sands sweeping through the bustling streets and marketplace of Cairo. The brazen moonlight abduction of Ramses—and an expedition subsequently cursed by misfortune and death—have alerted Amelia to the likly presence of her arch nemesis the Master Criminal, notorious looter of the living and the dead. But it is far more than ill-gotten riches that motivates the evil genius this time around. For now the most valuable and elusive prized of all is nearly in his grasp: the meddling lady archaeologist who has sworn to deliver him to justice . . . Amelia Peabody!

Thoughts: I really want to love love this one because of the ending with the Master Criminal but the preceding mystery and the supporting characters are pretty boring. It's still a decent Peabody story and Emerson's growing discomfort at Amelia's obsession with the Master Criminal is adorable, but it doesn't make this one a must read (other than the fact that skipping books in a series is unforgivable).

Rating: 3.67

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

I kept noticing that my numbering wasn't matching the count in my 2017 collection but I could not figure out what was going wrong. I was finally frustrated enough to go through one by one in detail and compare. Turns out I somehow mashed up half the post for Lion in the Valley with half the post for The Deeds of the Disturber! Weird. That's what I get for being late on reviews and doing a batch at one time. All fixed and reviewed here!

Amelia Peabody Reread Countdown: 4 books down, 9 more to go before the 14th chronological book, The Painted Queen, comes out in...... 11 days. ::gulp:: Good thing I'm not rereading in publication order because it's the 20th (and last) published!

THE DOCTOR IS A WOMAN!!!! A WOMAN! I can hardly believe it! Thank you Doctor Who! I needed this.

>52 leahbird:. ❤

26. The Last Camel Died at Noon by Elizabeth Peters (read by Susan O'Malley)


Description: The last camel is dead, and Egyptologist Amelia Peabody and her family are in dire straits in Nubia's wasteland desert. Survival depends on Amelia's solving a mystery as old as ancient Egypt and as timeless as greed and revenge.

Thoughts: This is one of the weirdest installments of the Peabody series. Every time I've reread it, I've been miffed at how disappointing it is given the premise. It's not bad it's just really not very interesting. I love this series even with all it's flaws, the biggest one being that very very often the Egyptology is completely ignored in favor of the mystery when I think it would be better if the Egyptology was better integrated, but usually that's not something I really let get in the way of enjoying the books. When the mystery and solving it are involved and active, it's easy to overlook. In this case, there is SO MUCH potential that is completely squandered. There is almost no action at all, just the Emersens sitting in a room speculating about the culture they have stumbled into.

The only real takeaway from this is the "rescue" of Nefret and the implications on some of their later adventures.

Rating: 3.17

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

27. A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab (read by Kate Reading and Michael Kramer)


Description: As darkness sweeps the Maresh Empire, the once precarious balance of power among the four Londons has reached its breaking point.

In the wake of tragedy, Kell―once assumed to be the last surviving Antari―begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. Lila Bard, once a commonplace―but never common―thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry.

An ancient enemy returns to claim a city while a fallen hero tries to save a kingdom in decay. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.

Thoughts: I love this world and these characters. SO MUCH. Really, soooo very much. But, the plot of the second and third books just didn't completely hook me. It was an interesting direction but it didn't need to be as long as it was and it felt a bit forced. I still want more and more and more because this didn't make me feel satisfied.

Luckily, there are now 3 more books coming from Schwab in the same world! No idea how connected they will be to this original series but I'm super excited.

Rating: 3.75

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3
Characterization: 4.5
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

28. Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce (read by Tamora Pierce and full cast)


Description: Four elements of power, four mages-in-training learning to control them. In Book 1 of the Circle of Magic Quartet, gifted young weaver Sandry is brought to the Winding Circle community. There she meets Briar, a former thief with a way with plants; Daja, an outcase gifted at metalcraft; and Tris, whose connection with the weather unsettles everyone, including herself. The four misfits are taught how to use their magic, but when disaster strikes, it's up to Sandry to weave together four different kinds of power to save herself, her friends, and Winding Circle.

Thoughts: This was the first book I read by Pierce about 16 years ago when I was a freshman in college. I remembered enjoying the Winding Circle books but I didn't remember any of the details of the books at all. Randomly I decided to reread this one.

Upon rereading, I can see the appeal this would have had 20 or so years ago but it isn't really my cup of tea now. I'm intrigued enough to want to reread the other 4 books in the quartet but mostly because I realized I REALLY don't remember anything from reading these the first time.

A word on the audio recording: I think I mentioned this in regards to the Tortall books, but Tamora Pierce is a terrible narrator. Her voice just isn't one that I want to listen to. I feel bad disliking an author's reading of their own books so much but I do. And I don't love the Full Cast Audio cast readings all that much. The inflections are all just way too dramatic.

Rating: 2.83

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3
Writing: 2.5
Audio: 2.5

29. The Snake, The Crocodile, and The Dog by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: In Amelia's seventh adventure, she and Emerson take passage on a boat travelling up the Nile, enjoying a second honeymoon while they search for Nefertiti's tomb. On the other hand, they might be heading towards murder. An exotic slave woman, a Siamese cat and a den of conspirators unite to snatch away Amelia's happiness unless she reveals a certain secret...and at the remote dig in Amarna what she uncovers is a shocking present-day peril: the loss of treasures far more precious than any antiquity - her husband's love or both their lives!

Thoughts: Oh yay! It's time to employ one of the worst tropes in fiction, the amnesia plot!

Blerg. I can say, Amelia is rather enjoyable in this installment. And it's nice to have Cyrus back in the fold. Well, you know, fake Cyrus. ;) But otherwise this one if a bit of a bore.

Reread Note: I have read the entire Peabody series twice, the second time in 2009. I have reread the first 6 books (chronological order) twice more. For whatever reason, both times I have stopped after The Last Camel Died at Noon, maybe because it's such a weird tangent. Despite 2 full readings, I do not remember the plots of the final 13 books other than a few overarching story points. This seems weird.

I didn't recall this one at all, despite having read it only 8 years ago. It was like reading a new Peabody, so that was kinda cool.

Audio Note: This was the first of the series I've listened to that was read by Barbara Rosenblat. I wasn't sure I liked her narration but it's really grown on me. I'm not totally crazy about her voice for Emerson but otherwise she is quite good. Sorry Susan O'Malley.

Rating: 3.25

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

Finally got around to doing my last 4 reviews and I'm all caught up! Yay!

Found this gem from Little Free Library on Facebook! I love these games!



Examples: Planet of the Capes, Where the Mild Things Are

The Dummy Case
Good Ovens
The Weird Misters

The Magician's Band
A Dirty Bob

30. The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: A masked stranger offers to reveal an Egyptian queen's lost tomb...and Amelia Peabody and her irascible archeologist husband, Radcliffe Emerson, are intrigued, to say the least. When the guide mysteriously disappears before he tells his secret, the husband-and-wife team sail to Thebes to follow his trail, helped-and hampered-by their teenage son, Ramses, and beautiful ward, Nefret. But before the sands of time shift very far, all will be risking their lives foiling murderers, kidnappers, grave robbers, and ancient curses. And the Hippopotamus Pool? It's a legend of war and wits that Amelia is translating, one that alerts her to a hippo of a different type-a nefarious, overweight art dealer who may become her next archenemy!

Thoughts: Trying to remember what I thought of this one since I finished it almost a month ago. Oops.

This was a nice interlude that felt more based on archeology than many of the books in the series. The mystery and villians were a bit difficult to find totally plausible but it was fine. And it was nice to read the introduction of David since, like the last book, this one was one I hadn't remembered at all. I remember David's importance in later books but I could not for the life of me remember how he was introduced to the family.

Rating: 3.67

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

31. Tris's Book by Tamora Pierce (read by Tamora Pierce and Full Cast Audio)


Description: In Book 2 of the Circle of Magic Quartet, earthquake damage has left Winding Circle vulnerable to pirate attack and Tris, Briar, Daja, and Sandry are working with the community to strengthen their defenses. When the pirate onslaught begins, two things become terribly clear: The pirates have a powerful new weapon--and they have an accomplice within Winding Circle. But they've failed to anticipate the fury of a young mage who has been betrayed once too often, and who has very stubborn, very loyal friends....

Thoughts: I like Tris and her magic. These books are still a bit too simple and formulaic for me, but I am finding them charming now. Probably never going to be my favorite series but I'm glad I'm reading them.

Rating: 3.25

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3
Audio: 3

32. Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: No villain is safe in 1903 Egypt as feisty archaeologist Amelia Peabody embarks on her ninth adventure.According to an ancient Egyptian papyrus, dreaming of a large cat means good luck. And that's just what Amelia Peabody could use, as her growing family matures in the new century. What's more, Amelia's dashing husband Emerson has received a mysterious warning not to enter the Valley of the Kings. To Emerson's annoyance, Amelia's meddling distracts her attention as she exposes a fraudulent spiritualist, saves a marriage, and plays matchmaker. But diabolical forces are at work when an unknown tomb reveals a shocking murder -- and the Peabody family dodges bullets from an assassin determined to put an end to their discoveries.

Thoughts: I remembered a lot of the overarching plot of this one as it pertains to the main characters in the series but other parts I'd completely forgotten. I did not remember that the Frasers returned to the series but I remembered the details of the introduction of Katherine Whitney-Jones.

The mystery set up is a bit thin but the follow through is pretty good.

Rating: 3.75

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

33. Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens by Eddie Izzard (read by Eddie Izzard)


Description: With his brand of keenly intelligent humor that ranges from world history to historical politics, sexual politics, mad ancient kings, and chickens with guns, Eddie Izzard has built an extraordinary fan base that transcends age, gender, and race. Writing with the same candor and insight evident in his comedy, he reflects on a childhood marked by the loss of his mother, boarding school, and alternative sexuality, as well as a life in comedy, film, politics, running and philanthropy.

Honest and generous, Believe Me is an inspired account of a very singular life thus far.

Thoughts: I am a very big fan of Eddie Izzard. I was always drawn to him as a comic/actor who was living publicly as LGBT. We've come a long way with exposure of Gay and Lesbian actors and characters, but bisexual and transgender people are still not fully embraced as complete people many times. I've always really appreciated that Izzard talks about feeling female sometimes and male sometimes but always loving nail polish and high heels and also wanting to be a commando as a teen/young adult.

But he could have been all that and just not a very good comic. Luckily, he's hilarious and really smart. I love that his comedy is very historical. I always finish watching his shows feeling like my face hurts from laughing but that I learned something interesting in the process.

His autobiography is much the same, especially since he narrates the audiobook with lots of added footnotes. It was very interesting learning about Eddie's childhood, spent mostly in boarding schools after his mother died, and his path towards fame. But I really wanted to learn about his path towards accepting himself and coming out as trans. There wasn't quite as much about that aspect of his life as I wanted but I can appreciate that, to him, that is not the most interesting aspect of his experience.

The long-winded, somewhat rambling footnotes were wonderful.

Rating: 4.43

Liked: 4.5
Writing: 4
Content: 4
Authority: 5
Value: 4
Audio: 5

34. Daja's Book by Tamora Pierce (read by Tamora Pierce and Full Cast Audio)


Description: In Book 3 of the Circle of Magic Quartet, outcast Trader Daja and her friends journey from Winding Circle to the Gold Ridge Mountains, where drought threatens widespread famine. There, Daja creates an astonishing object: a living metal vine. A caravan of Traders covets the vine, and Daja's dealing with her former people reawaken a longing for familiar ways. Now Daja must choose--should she return to the Traders or remain with the Winding Circle folk who have become her family?

Thoughts: There really doesn't feel like a lot of plot here. The journey towards Daja's future is sweet but almost nothing else that happens feels worth including.

Rating: 3

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3
Audio: 3

35. Briar's Book by Tamora Pierce (read by Tamora Pierce and Full Cast Audio)


Description: In Book 4 of the Circle of Magic Quartet, former "street rat" Briar leads a comfortable life at Winding Circle Temple, learning plant magic from his teacher Rosethorn. But street kids are still his friends, and when one of them gets sick, she turns to Briar for help. As the mysterious illness spreads, Sandry, Daja, and Tris join Briar and their teachers to fight the epidemic. But just as the situation improves, the unthinkable happens. Will Briar be able to save what he loves most?

Thoughts: I rather like Briar and his book. I liked especially that this book makes Briar work towards the ultimate conclusion throughout the whole book rather than it just being something that happens in a rush at the end. This was a much more satisfactory read that the others in the series.

Rating: 3.5

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 3

36. The Ape Who Gaurds the Balance by Elizabeth Peters (read by Samantha Eggar)


Description: After eluding a kidnapper in London, an unperturbed Amelia Peabody accompanies her unconventional family to Cairo once more—only to be ensnared almost immediately in a web of stolen treasures and bloodthirsty cults. Villainy is running rampant in Egypt this 1907 archaeological season, but the members of the intrepid Peabody-Emerson clan have already proven themselves to be formidable adversaries. However, when a mint-condition papyrus of the Book of the Dead falls into their hands, and the corpse of an unscrupulous dealer in stolen antiquities is found floating in the Nile, the Emersons' prospects for surviving this excavation season unscathed appear increasingly dim.

Thoughts: This one was a dud. I don't know how much of it was the fact that I couldn't find the audiobook from either narrator I was familiar with and had to settle for this one by Samantha Eggar, which was not very good, and how much was that almost nothing of interest or value happens at all, but it just wasn't very good.

I didn't remember anything about this book. The only meaningful part at the end wasn't at all what I remembered for that character and now I'm completely confused. But even that very important bit was completely rushed and barely acknowledged. It left me shocked how throw away it felt.

Rating: 2.75

Liked: 2.5
Plot: 2.5
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3
Audio: 3

I'm all caught up again for a minute. I was only a month behind. ;( Hopefully I will keep up better for a little while, but I really don't have a lot of hope of that.

I'm going to Cleveland the first week of November so if anyone has any recommendations for things I should do while I'm there, especially bookstores I should visit, feel free to share!

37. Guardian of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: Ousted from their most recent archaeological dig and banned from the Valley of the Kings, the Emersons are spending the summer at home in England, when a mysterious messenger arrives. Claiming to be the brother of their dear friend Tarek, prince of the mysterious Lost Oasis, the herald brings news of a strange malady that has struck down Tarek's heir and conveys his urgent need for help.

Driven by loyalty, the family sets off in secret, braving the treacherous desert climate on a trek fraught with dangers. Guided by only a crumbling map, the Emersons are unaware that deception is leading them onward into a nest of vipers -- where a dreadful fate may await.

Thoughts: I just can't understand why books that SHOULD be so interesting, set in an undiscovered civilization, are so boring. This is the second Peabody book to visit the Lost Oasis and it's almost a direct copy of the events of the first and that one was uninspired enough.

I had forgotten that these middle books got so tedious. Just plugging away until I get to the new one. Almost there!

Rating: 2.91

Liked: 2.5
Plot: 2.5
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

38. A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: Intrepid archaeologist and superior sleuth Amelia Peabody returns in A River in the Sky. In this breathtaking new adventure, New York Times bestselling Grand Master Elizabeth Peters transports the indomitable Amelia and her family, the Emersons, from their usual milieu, early twentieth-century Egypt, to an exciting—and dangerous—new locale: Palestine! A tale full of atmosphere, intrigue, and thrills, A River in the Sky is further proof that “Peters has few rivals”

Thoughts: The worst Peabody so far. I can't remember where in the series things start to get good again, but I'm praying it's soon.

Like their journeys to The Lost Oasis, almost nothing happens in this book. There is some intrigue with Ramses getting waylaid but otherwise it's completely boring: they talk about some things, go from one hotel to the next, and find exactly one thing that is literally given 1 sentence of importance.

This one also has an uncomfortable amount of what feels like Imperialism while railing against Imperialism. The last one, Guardian on the Horizon had a bit of this too, and a bigger bit of White Savoir Complex, but it at least made some sense since the Emersons had already been there. This time they are in Palestine where they have no right to be known and recognized and the fact that they are written as more competent at handling relations in this contested area than the people who specialize in that exact thing is off-putting.

I would have liked this WAY more had it, other than having a plot of some sort, thrown the Emersens into a world where they were not known by reputation and their usual brusqueness with regulations and officials was met with a dose of competent dismissal. I love the Emersens when they are rousting out corruption and ineffectual leadership where they have a great deal of personal knowledge and experience. I don't like their Egyptian reputation being used like a cudgel on the heads of Palestinians in their own homeland. Plus, it would have been fun to see them flounder a bit.

Rating: 2.83

Liked: 2.5
Plot: 2
Characterization: 3
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

I kept noticing that my numbering wasn't matching the count in my 2017 collection but I could not figure out what was going wrong. I was finally frustrated enough to go through one by one in detail and compare. Turns out I somehow mashed up half the post for Lion in the Valley with half the post for The Deeds of the Disturber! Weird. That's what I get for being late on reviews and doing a batch at one time. All fixed now!

25. The Deeds of the Disturber by Elizabeth Peters (read by Susan O'Malley)


Description: Can fear kill? There are those who believe so--but Amelia Peabody is skeptical. A respected Egyptologist and amateur sleuth, Amelia has foiled felonious schemes from Victoria's England to the Middle East. And she doubts that it was a Nineteenth-Dynasty mummy's curse that caused the death of a night watchman in the British Museum. The corpse was found sprawled in the mummy's shadow, a look of terror frozen on the guard's face. What--or who--killed the unfortunate man is a mystery that seems too intriguingly delicious for Amelia to pass up, especially now that she, her dashing archaeologist husband, Emerson, and their precocious son, Ramses, are back on Britain's shores. But a contemporary curse can be as lethal as one centuries old--and the foggy London thoroughfares can be as treacherous as the narrow, twisting alleyways of Cairo after dark--when a perpetrator of evil deeds sets his murderous sights on his relentless pursuer...Amelia Peabody!

Thoughts: Any Peabody book not set in Egypt is going to be a tough sell to me, but this one pulls it off better than most by actually have a plot with action and intrigue and Egyptological clues! I particularly like the climax for insanity and hilarity.

Rating: 3.67

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

>72 leahbird: my numbering wasn't matching the count in my 2017 collection
That is very annoying, Leah, it also happens to me sometimes and I do my reviews within a couple of days after reading ;-)

>73 FAMeulstee: I've had it happen in the other direction when I've skipped a number in my sequence and had too MANY books in the thread. I'm just relieve to have figured it out and it's a nice surprise that I've read 1 more than I thought!

39. Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce (read by Full Cast Audio)


Description:Sandrilene fa Toren has moved to the palace of her uncle, Duke Vedris, to care for him after his recent heart attack. While the two are out riding, Sandry sees a boy named Pasco dance a magic spell. To her dismay she soon learns that since she discovered Pasco, she must handle his magical education until a proper teacher can be found. At 14, Sandry feels she is too young for this. Even worse, 12-year-old Pasco refuses to believe he even has magic. Light-footed and light-of-heart, he threatens to drive Sandry crazy.

But Sandry has greater worries than Pasco. Ruthless assassins are working to eliminate a local merchant clan, and as the grisly deaths mount, it becomes clear they are using a terrifying power called Un-magic. Even more unnerving, halting their reign of terror will require not only Sandry's magic, but Pasco's as well.

Thoughts: I like this more grown up Sandry and seeing her as a capable and more disciplined mage. The plot was decent as well, although pretty gruesome. The big disappointment is that Pasco is almost completely ignored. I assumed the story would be mostly about him and Sandry teaching him, but this is DEFINITELY Sandy's story and Pasco is her seldom mentioned and completely one dimension tool. Too bad on that front because his magic should be very interesting to read about.

Rating: 3.42

Liked: 3
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

40. Street Magic by Tamora Pierce (read by Full Cast Audio)


Description: Briar Moss been training four years as a plant mage, but he hasn't put his past behind him. He meets a street girl, Evvy, using powerful magic to polish stones for a merchant, and resolves to find her a teacher. But Briar understands the city's gangs as well as he understands Evvy. When gang warfare breaks out, he discovers that the fiercest gang is seeking a stone mage to lead them to hidden gems. Only Briar and his magic can offer Evvy protection. Swept up in a bloody conflict, Briar must decide if he's ready to make the final step away from his former life as a "street rat".

Thoughts: Another good installment in this series. The Circle Opens has proven to speak to me a lot better than The Circle of Magic quartet did. And this one is MUCH better at making the new student, Evvy, a full character rather than an addendum. It's still too light on the actual magical learning, as all these books have proven to be, but the character development is solid and the plot isn't bad.

Rating: 3.67

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

This is an interesting new trend that I can really get behind! Has anyone read any of these?

https://bookriot.com/2017/11/13/parenthood-in-science-fiction-fantasy/

The Space Between The Stars
Future Home of the Living God
The Changeling
The End We Start From
The Reluctant Queen

>77 leahbird: I haven't read any, but the series that the last one is in is on my list.

This is a time of year when I as a non-American ponder over what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for this group and its ability to keep me sane during topsy-turvy times.

I am thankful that you are part of this group.

I am thankful for this opportunity to say thank you.

It's the holiday retail season which means I am ALWAYS at work. Or at home doing things for work. Or posting on social media for work. Or sleeping. I'm still getting my invaluable audiobook time in the car on my commute but my prebed listening and any visiting here has been minuscule. We're on extended holiday hours so I've got an hour before we close but it's dead because everyone is heading to dinner, not shopping. Time for some mad LT updating!

>79 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much Paul!

41. The Falcon at the Portal by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: In Egypt for the 1911 archaeological season, Amelia Peabody and her family are not anticipating trouble, but it finds them nonetheless. Their young friend David is accused of selling ancient artifacts, and it's up to the Emersons to expose the real culprit. But the body of an American discovered at the bottom of their excavation shaft and a child of mysterious antecedents are sparking twin crises that threaten to tear the family apart. Amelia brings her estimable powers of deduction to bear, but she might not survive long enough to unravel more than one perplexing puzzle—because suddenly someone is shooting bullets in her direction...and coming too close for comfort!

Thoughts: For whatever reason, I remembered some of the important events that this book sets up, but I couldn't remember exactly WHAT it was the sparked them off or when it came in the series. I've been eagerly anticipating getting to the point where some of this takes place since I started this reread. The mystery here was not the most exciting or interesting ever, but i still enjoyed this one much more than some of the other preceding books.

I was mostly excited however because IT WAS THE LAST ONE I NEEDED TO REREAD BEFORE STARTING THE NEW BOOK that came out in July and was still laying unread/unlistened to on my nightstand.

Rating: 3.75

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

42. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (read by Christian Coulson)


Description: A young bisexual British lord embarks on an unforgettable grand tour of Europe with his best friend/secret crush. An 18th-century romantic adventure for the modern age written by This Monstrous Thing author Mackenzi Lee - Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets the 1700s.

Henry "Monty" Montague doesn't care that his roguish passions are far from suitable for the gentleman he was born to be. But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quests for pleasure and vice are in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family's estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

So Monty vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty's reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Witty, dazzling, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is an irresistible romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.

Thoughts: I had really high hopes for this book and there are moments of greatness. I love the unabashedly bisexual main character and his brainy sister. Everything up to the trip out of Paris is awesome and wonderful. But at the exact moment that it's clear the author wants the story to become a fun, unexpected adventure with interesting twists was the exact moment that it started to not work as well for me.

I just couldn't find the situation plausible. The story either needed to lean in hard on the fantasy front or find some other MacGuffin to send Monty after that felt truer to the story. And there were just too many will-they-won't-they moments with not enough juice to really back them up. I started not to really care if they would or not. Interestingly, their ridiculous chance encounter with the pirates that aren't pirates bit was so much more intriguing and realistic that the whole alchemical solution-to-all-problems heart. I wish the book had just been Monty and Percy and Felicity on a romp with pretend pirates, helping right some wrongs of slavery. Man, now I really need someone to write that book.

I seem to be in the minority on this one though. It's not bad exactly, and I wouldn't warn people away from it. It just had so much promise.

Rating: 3.41

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 4
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

43. The Painted Queen by Elizabeth Peters and Joan Hess (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: Egypt, 1912—Amelia Peabody and her dashing archeologist husband, Radcliffe Emerson, are once again in danger as they search for a priceless, stolen bust of legendary Queen Nefertiti and Amelia finds herself the target of assassins in this long-awaited, eagerly anticipated final installment of Elizabeth Peters’ bestselling, beloved mystery series.

Arriving in Cairo for another thrilling excavation season, Amelia is relaxing in a well-earned bubble bath in her elegant hotel suite in Cairo, when a man with knife protruding from his back staggers into the bath chamber and utters a single word—"Murder"—before collapsing on the tiled floor, dead. Among the few possessions he carried was a sheet of paper with Amelia’s name and room number, and a curious piece of pasteboard the size of a calling card bearing one word: "Judas." Most peculiarly, the stranger was wearing a gold-rimmed monocle in his left eye.

It quickly becomes apparent that someone saved Amelia from a would-be assassin—someone who is keeping a careful eye on the intrepid Englishwoman. Discovering a terse note clearly meant for Emerson—Where were you?"—pushed under their door, there can be only one answer: the brilliant master of disguise, Sethos.

But neither assassins nor the Genius of Crime will deter Amelia as she and Emerson head to the excavation site at Amarna, where they will witness the discovery of one of the most precious Egyptian artifacts: the iconic Nefertiti bust. In 1345 B.C. the sculptor Thutmose crafted the piece in tribute to the great beauty of this queen who was also the chief consort of Pharaoh Akhenaten and stepmother to King Tutankhamun.

For Amelia, this excavation season will prove to be unforgettable. Throughout her journey, a parade of men in monocles will die under suspicious circumstances, fascinating new relics will be unearthed, a diabolical mystery will be solved, and a brilliant criminal will offer his final challenge . . . and perhaps be unmasked at last.

Thoughts: So. I've been eagerly anticipating this book for what seems like years. It was the book that Peters (real name Barbara Michels) was working on when she died. Until quite recently, I didn't realize that she hadn't completed the book. I knew a friend had gotten it through final publication, but I assumed that meant the editing stage. As the release came closer, and upon hearing the forward, it became clear that Peters had only managed a plot sketch. This made me very worried. And the early reviews weren't glowing.

Having now finished it, it was better than I started to worry it would be but not quite what I had hoped. Falling where it does in the overall story is probably it's biggest disadvantage- one that may have hampered it even if Peters had completed it herself. A LOT of big, important, rippling events took place in the previous book and that ending was the closest to a cliffhanger that Peters has ever gotten. This book suffers from trying to address some of those issues while simultaneously trying to ignore them because they aren't tidy.

As much as she would have been missed, Nefret should have been left out of this book. If she had still been recovering in Switzerland or studying in France, the entire plot would have been cleaner. We could have had some letters from her which would have been nice. As it stands, she's fairly useless in this story. The tension between her and Ramses is mostly glossed over which makes no sense. In past books, Ramses feelings and some of Nefrets thoughts are explored in the added materials but here they are just skipped right now.

David is relegated to a cardboard character and the exclusion of his new bride Lia is completely unexplained.

The tone of the book, helped immensely I believe by Barbara Rosenblat's continued narration, is fairly familiar. The plot is a bit farfetched but that's nothing new for an Amelia Peabody book. It's actually much better than A River in the Sky. The ending felt rushed and yet predictable.

I think, in the end, it's mainly disappointing simply because you really want the last book by a favorite author, especially the last of a very long and beloved series (well, not the last chronologically but the last there will ever be) to be amazing and they rarely are.

Rating: 3.58

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

I remembered a few other things that were off in The Painted Queen.

- Nefret has to go to a nearby village with Amelia to translate for her because Amelia claims her Arabic is only passable. That's nonsense. She can't curse with the aplomb of Emerson, but she is completely capable of speaking with anyone in Arabic on her own.
- Amelia refers to Catherine as her oldest and dearest friend and confidant. That would be Evelyn. Catherine is certainly a great friend of Amelia's but she hasn't been in the picture too long.
-Nefret is totally told from the 3rd person. There is no inclusion from Letter Collection B which I always enjoy. It's part of the reason she feels so flat I think.

44. He Shall Thunder in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: “Passion among the pyramids. Forged antiquities. A country at war. A camel in the garden. A cameo by Lawrence of Arabia. Add in Peters’s trademark intelligent plotting, engaging characters, and stylish writing and we can hardly ask for anything more.” -Cincinnati Enquirer. One of the most beloved characters in mystery/suspense fiction, archaeologist and Egyptologist Amelia Peabody bravely faces gravest peril in Cairo on the eve of World War One in New York Times bestselling Grandmaster Elizabeth Peters’s magnificent Egyptian adventure, He Shall Thunder in the Sky. The San Francisco Examiner calls these heart-racing exploits of Amelia and her courageous family, the Emersons, “pure delight.”

Thoughts: This is Peters at some of her best. The archaeology is a little thin but not a complete throwaway. The rest, however, is pretty thoroughly satisfying. So much intrigue and excitement! Some of the revelations are pretty easy to spot coming about a mile away but that doesn't make them less fun or satisfying. So many secrets and loose threads are tied up in this book!

Again, I remembered more of the fallout from this book than the events of this book itself. It was fun to reexperience it mostly fresh. I have been eagerly awaiting the moment that Sethos was revealed as Emerson's brother! And that Ramses and Nefret got their acts together and hooked up for real. My only complaint on that later front is that it's wrapped up so quickly and neatly that we don't get to enjoy them getting together again and working out their missteps.

This one is a really good time and a good launching place for the quarter of the series.

Rating: 4

Liked: 4
Plot: 4
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

45. Lord of the Silent by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: Risking life, limb and her second-best hat, the intrepid Egyptologist Amelia Peabody and her irascible, handsome archaeologist husband Emerson embark on another season of exploration and crime solving. When a dead body tums up in the tomb they are excavating, Amelia vows to protect her family and find the killer no matter what the cost. Filled with surprises, including the return of a long-lost but certainly not forgotten enemy, here is delicious entertainment starring fiction's best loved and most indomitable lady sleuth.

Thoughts: After the really great He Shall Thunder in the Sky, this book just felt sooooo slim and weightless. Which is hard to say about a book that find Sethos not only alive but decidedly on the side of the family! The mystery is not very mysterious and it just felt like everything flew by. Most disappointing is that Nefret and Ramses are finally married and yet there is no fun innuendo and escapes like Amelia and Emerson have. NEED MORE!

Rating: 3.5

Liked: 3.5
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3.5
Audio: 4

We had family Christmas today because of my niece's custody arrangement. After all the presents were opened, we piled up in the living room to watch movies and I snuck some Doctor Who indoctrination in.

So, I know "Blink" is a scary episode of Doctor Who but I also know that Doctor Who is technically a children's show and I'm generally a wuss on the scare factor. Addy is the total opposite and digs scary. Like watches Stranger Things with me and doesn't flinch while I gave myself nightmares watching by myself at night.

BUT I forgot how creepy, insidious, and actually terrifying the Weeping Angels get in the climax of "Blink." Addy was totally into it, even the scary bits, until the Weeping Angel pops up after the DVD ends. She screeched "OH MY GOD!" and then started sobbing. Her yell woke up my sister's boyfriend, who's boot fell off the couch and landed on the dog, who jumped into the table, making enough noise to startle Dad in the next room with the door closed.

Luckily I was quick with the pause button and got her calmed down. She wanted to finish the episode after I assured her everything turned out ok but my sister didn't want her to after being so upset.

All afternoon, her initial scream of terror kept flashing through my head and cracking me up. I felt terrible that she was scared but the reaction was so dramatic that it's still making me giggle. Sometimes being a sympathetic adult is at complete odds with one's sense of humor.

I just finished "Blink" by myself. I'm super glad we stopped where we did because those angels do get terrifying real quick. The flickering lightbulb scene is not for the faint of heart. Or 8 year olds that think they are fearless.

I'm also accidentally listening to a book set at Christmas right now. Waiting for a hold to come available, I randomly started a 3rd listen of Carry On a few days ago. I always forget that most of the action of this book takes place over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Probably because I'm mostly listening for the Simon/Baz getting together scenes. I wish there was more. I bet there's some good fanfic....

Wishing you all good things this holiday season and beyond.

>87 leahbird: OMG, that's hilarious. Also, the Weeping Angels are legitimately one of the scariest things I've ever seen on television.

>90 lycomayflower: Yeah they scare the pants off me. To be totally fair, she wasn't watching when I chose that episode. I was trying to lure my sister and her boyfriend into liking Who by showing them what I consider one of the best episodes ever and then Addy joined us. It clearly didn't work since they both fell asleep until the crying started. (To be fair, they'd had a very early morning so I'm not counting them out as possible Whovians yet!)

>89 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul! You as well!

And now, the real present of Christmas! Doctor Who!!!!! Bring on #LadyDoctor!!

>93 leahbird: I like your Christmas priorities!

46. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (read by


Description: Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen.

That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.

Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here--it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.

Thoughts: This was my 3rd read. I randomly picked it up waiting for a hold to come available. I still think it's wonderful but this time I found myself a bit bored with the actual plot and really bummed there wasn't more of the the developing relationship between Baz and Simon and their fun friendship with Penny. I REALLY want more of that. Like The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, I just need MORE.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Rating: 3.92

Liked: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characterization: 4
Writing: 4
Audio: 4

47. The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters (read by Barbara Rosenblat)


Description: A new year, 1917, is dawning, and the Great War that ravages the world shows no sign of abating. In these perilous times, archaeologist Amelia Peabody and her extended family must confront shocking dangers. But it is son Ramses who faces the most dire threat, answering a call that will carry him to the fabled seaport of Gaza on a mission as personal as it is perilous -- where death will be the certain consequence of exposure. While far away, Ramses's beautiful wife, Nefret, guards a secret of her own ...

Thoughts: This is a seriously disjointed installment. It's basically two incomplete books just smooshed together. I don't get it.

Rating: 3.25

Liked: 3
Plot: 3
Characterization: 3.5
Writing: 3
Audio: 4

That's me for the year! I finally got around to making my 2018 thread and I will post my end of 2017 stuff over there.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/280882