Best Served Cold!! So much to say, but I'll settle for sharing that it's when Shivers became my top pick for the best character in that world -- which is saying something.
1. Best book of 2024 so far: Trouble With Peace 2. Best sequel of 2024 so far Mad Ship but of course Trouble with Peace too 3. New release I haven’t read yet: Dreams of Fire & Dreams of Sorrow, novellas by Shaunna Lawless ( only out on E-book) 4. Most anticipated release of second half: Daughter’s War, it was excellent!! 5. Biggest disappointment: Sea of Tranquility. Both Alex@ Frankfiction and the Mintons loved it. 6. Biggest surprise: We Are The Dead, it feels fresh. 7. Fave new author: Tie: Shaunna Lawless & Christopher Buehlman 8. New favorite characters: the liveships: Vavacia & Paragon 9. New fictional crush: Konrad Vonvault, how is he not the POV? 10. Book that made me happy: Wizard of EarthSea narrated by Harlan Ellison 11. Book that made me cry: Ship of Destiny put me way off kilter for a few chapters 12. Fave new book-movie adaptation: All the Light I Can Not See 13. Books really need to read by end of year: Fury of the Gods, War & Ruin, Lions of Al-Rassan
Fun video! I mean, I'm supposed to be reading right now, but I can't miss Talking Story. note to self, blame John for unfinished TBR. Quote of the video.. "I am uncomfortable." - Jakob Minton.
An entire tag of agonizing over answers... WE LOVE TO SEE IT!! Honestly, Monza is one of the most crush-worthy people in the entire First Law universe hahah. You've got such a great list of books waiting for you in the second half of the year, I can't wait to see you discover even more new faves! 🤩
This is one heck of a tag. Making me remember details about books I read months ago. Sheesh. Oh well, sorry for the wall of text. 1. Best book of 2024 so far - Aftershock, by Zhang Ling 2. Best sequel of 2024 so far - Truth of the Aleke, by Moses Ose Utomi 3. New release I haven’t read yet - Private Rites, by Julia Armfield (it's out in the UK, it counts!) 4. Most anticipated release of second half - Private Rites US release; Absolution, by Jeff Vandermeer; Dark Drinker, by Zamil Akhtar 5. Biggest disappointment - probably Fireheart Tiger, by Aliette de Bodard (it's still fine though) 6. Biggest surprise - Dreams of the Dying, by Nicolas Lietzau 7. Fave new author - it's Janny Wurts, innit 8. New favorite characters - Idris, from Tchaikovsky's Shards of Earth 9. New fictional crush - probably Idris too 10. Book that made me happy - Lies of the Ajungo, by Moses Ose Utomi 11. Book that made me cry - This Is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone 12. Fave new book-movie adaptation - Three Body Problem (haven't seen any new movies) 13. Books I really need to read by end of year - Private Rites, A Day of Fallen Night, Vagabonds by Hao Jingfang, A Song for Arbonne, Acceptance, Authority, Absolution, and as many Wars of Light and Shadow books as I reasonably can
-WARNING FOR NOVELLA LENGTH OF TEXT (Sorry 😅)So happy to hear your year's been so great! Mine has been a mixed bag but in a good way. Very few dissapointments and some outstanding books as well. Definitevly and interesting year with a lot of reading outside my comfort zone and broadening my view in a most satisfying way. Heres my list for the year; 1. Best book of 2024 so far: The lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson (I love Wayne so much!) 2. Best sequel of 2024 so far: Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier 3. New release I haven’t read yet: Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan 4. Most anticipated release of second half: Easily The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey 5. Biggest disappointment: Strindberg's Star by Jan Wallentin 6. Biggest surprise: Ruby red trilogy by Kerstin Gier (Romantasy timetravel sooo far from what I usually pick up but it was such a cosy and fun read. Had a really good time with it) 7. Fave new author: Daniel Abraham (Okay I'm cheating a little since I've read what he cowrote with Ty Franck as James SA Corey but this was the first time I've read something from him solo and what a beautiful experince that was!) 8. New favorite characters: Wayne (His not new but definitely the BEST!) Xemerius and Sammish are quite fun as well. 9. New fictional crush: Nope no new crushes yet! 10. Book that made me happy: Defiant by Brandon Sanderson. (Look, I just want to have a emotional support space slug okay!) 11. Book that made me cry: Okay I have to have a repeat here but very few books actually makes me cry and this one did... The lost metal (Next year I promise I'll try to be more varied 😅) 12. Fave new book-movie adaptation: It's not new and probably a hot take but i really dug the Mortal Engines adaptation (sure it flawed but it has the spirit of the book which is for me to most important part) 13. Books really need to read by end of year: The entirety of Stormlight Archive (okay I am on a cosmere role but there happens to be a big book comming out this year so it's not my fault!)
I’m glad you mentioned good reads. I set goals and sometimes I do find it stressful and have rushed myself to finish when I should just enjoy the experience.
Yes, «Arbonne»! 1. Best book so far in 2024: «A Brightness Long Ago» by Guy Gavriel Kay (Fantasy inspired by the Mercenary Wars of Renaissance Italy) & «Imperium» by Robert Harris (Cicero Trilogy #1, Historical Fiction about the Eponymous Roman Politician)! 2. Best sequel so far in 2024: «Brother Red» by Adrian Selby (Grimdark Fantasy, standalone «midquel» to «Snakewood» & «The Winter Road»), «Howling Dark» (Sun Eater #2) by Christopher Ruocchio (Space opera) & «The Fort» (City of Victory Trilogy #1, sequel to the «Vindolandia» Trilogy) by Adrian Goldsworthy (Historical Military Fiction set during Emperor Trajan’s Campaigns)! 3. New release I haven't read: «Disquiet Gods»(Sun Eater, #6) by Christopher Ruocchio (Space opera): A bit cheating, as I have not yet read book 3 to 5, but yeah, really looking forward to the next novels! 4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year: Book #3 of «The Sundered Nation» Trilogy by Vaughn Roycroft, the Standalone Sequel of the «Edan» Trilogy by our dear Philip Chase & «The Fury of the Gods» (#3 in the «Bloodsworn Saga») by John Gwynne! 5. Biggest disappointment: I feel I am a bit spoiled, as I have not read any truly bad novels or have given up reading any books for a long time, but «Idoru» by William Gibson (Bridge Trilogy #2, Cyberpunk) was, while not bad, still a small letdown from book #1, «Virtual Light» (a 3.5 out of 5, compared to «VL»’s 4.5). 6. Favorite new author: Christopher Ruocchio & Tad Williams 7. Biggest surprise: «Islands in the Net» by Bruce Sterling ((Post-)Cyberpunk), a really pleasant surprise, as I had prepared for a good cheesy 80s Cyberpunk story: Is there Hackers, Data Pirate Havens and Rastafarians? Sure, but unlike most dystopian Cyberpunk novels, this broke from the norm by having the 30-something mother of a toddler as the protagonist and interesting concepts such a Economic Democratic Cooperations (almost reminiscent of the ideas floating by Kim Stanley Robinson in his Sci Fi Novels, if not utopian then at least not at all the usual Techno/Neo-Feudalism of most Cyberpunk!) and genuine energy solutions ideas that might benefit smaller nations, as well as a use of psy-ops and drones that made it a lot more forward minded than I expected! 8. Book that made me happy: I have to say «Imperium» by Robert Harris: I had read Harris only once (his alt-history novel «Fatherland», set in a 1960s where the US did not join WW2 (but defeated Japan) and the World is divided into a Cold War between the USA and N@zi Germany: Great read, but obviously not full of laughs) but he not only nails the history and politics of Ancient Rome, following the ups and downs of Cicero is at times borderline satirical (but also serves as an encouraging) take on Modern Politics as well. 9. Newest fictional crush: I guess I have to say Laura Webster from «Islands in the Net», but I also have to give a shout out to Cicero’s Wife in «Imperium» (such a fun contrast but also weirdly fitting her husband! ) and to the Old Couple in «The Buried Giant» by Kazuo Ishigaro: So wholesome and heartbreaking! 10. Newest favorite character: Undoubtedly Cicero from «Imperium» 11. Book that made me cry: «Når landet mørknar» (Approximately «When The (This?) Land Darkens») by Tore Kvæven, Historical Fiction set during the 13th Century decline of the Norse Settlements of Greenland, think of it as a Norse John Steinbeck! Well-worthy winner of the 2018 Brage Prize for Best Norwegian Novel! But will also shoutout «Stonehenge» by Bernard Cornwell (Man, the Human Sacrifice of Children hit me!) and «The Buried Giant» by Kazuo Ishigaro: Heartbreaking! 12. Most beautiful book so far this year: The new cover of my e-book copy «Queen Amid Ashes» (Sun Eater, #2.5) by Christopher Ruocchio, is gorgeous! Also: While it is visually very plain, obviously my inherited copy of «Brothers Karamazov» by Dostoevsky from my late Aunt have immense sentimental value! 13. What books I need to read by the end of the year? After the novels I mentioned in point 4, I have to say the rest of the «Cicero» Trilogy by Robert Harris, the rest of the «Memory, Sorrow & Thorn» «Trilogy» by Tad Williams, the rest of the «Prince of Nothing» Trilogy by R. Scott Bakker, the final two novels in the «City of Victory» Trilogy by Adrian Goldsworthy and the final two novels in «The Expanse» by James S. A. Corey! Cheers!
Great answers to the tag, mate! I pre-ordered my hardback of Wind and Truth but I also pre-ordered on Kindle to hedge my bets so I can start it at 12am on 6th December!
To me , Nikmo Cosca is very similar to Amos Trask from Feist’s Magician! The rascal that helped out Prince Arutha and navigated the Straits of Darkness. I bet Abercrombie was a Feist fan!😀
I couldn't help but play along. 1. Best book of 2024 so far: Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 2. Best sequel of 2024 so far: Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff 3. New release I haven’t read yet : The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence 4. Most anticipated release of second half The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne 5. Biggest disappointment Cold West by Clayton Snyder 6. Biggest surprise Return to Edan by Philip Chase 7. Fave new author Dennis Lehane 8. New favorite characters Mary Pat from Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane 9. New fictional crush Adam from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs 10. Book that made me happy Cheerfulness by Garrison Keillor 11. Book that made me cry Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 12. Fave new book-movie adaptation Haven't seen any so pick Mystic River by Dennis Lehane 13. Books really need to read by end of year Memories of Ice Glad I discovered your channel, am truly enjoying it!
Another banger! I’ve been loving the cold opens. I gotta say my favorite book this year so far is ‘A World Without End’ the second book in the kingsbridge series. Probably because I found Caris is the most relatable character I’ve ever read
I’ll take a crack at these questions. Did this for Allen and Joanna’s live stream. This whole year has been……ok for me so far. Mind you, I have read some great books but I am surprised at how few books I have read where I remember vividly thinking “this is a book of the year contender.” I am planning on changing my strategy a bit and just recklessly going for those books that have been staring at me forever which I think might do the trick. Best book I have read so far has probably been The Heike Story by Yoshikawa. Best sequel or short story you've read so far in 2024…….The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan probably. This was quite surprising to me. I find these books very relaxing on my way to work. Favorite re-read……Under Heaven. My book of the year for 2023. Genre you've been loving/reading the most……I read a lot of nonfiction and historical fiction. New release or authors you haven't read yet but want to……Adrian Tchaikovsky and Miklos Banffy. I also plan on finishing the Xanth series (I really treasure those books as my birth dad gave me his collection of them the first Christmas I spent with his family. It was his favorite series). Most anticipated release for the second half of the year…..I haven’t honestly been paying attention. I’ll look into that. Biggest disappointment…….honestly, the first house of cards book. It just didn’t capture my imagination. I did have the flu when I was reading it though. Biggest surprise…….I like Cormac McCarthy. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)….Yoshikawa again here. People who like Shogun might really like his books. Newest favorite character….Lord Tengen from demon slayer. On my god. Book that made you cry…..the demon slayer volume with the spider kid. If you know, you know. Book that made you happy….Letters from Father Christmas by Tolkien. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)……..the colored illustration edition of Myths and Legends of Japan by Davis. They usually cost a fortune, but I found one being sold by a German man cheap. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?………What a question! Well, Judgement at Tokyo, Lord of Emperors, Children of Time, the rest of Yoshikawa’s books, the original Tale of the Heike, the rest of Kawabata’s books, and the rest of Legend of the Galactic Heroes.
@@Talking_Story Yeah Xanth is a trip! It's funny because if you look at the map of Xanth it's a map of Florida. So there is a very good chance that these books are really just a nonfiction series on what goes down in Florida day to day.
This video showed up in my feed, so I thought I'd check it out. Great vibe and lots of additions to my tbr. Subscribed. ----- Oh my gosh, I love the Empire trilogy as well, and I also cried! I love these books -- they have a place on my permanent collection shelf. ----- I haven't started on Sanderson yet, but he's on my tbr. ----- In answer to your questions: 1. My reading year started off shaky, I didn't get a lot of reading done in the first few months for various reasons, but it picked up around June/July, so I'm happy 🙂. 2. My favourite book so far this year is 'Ghost Bird' by Lisa Fuller, which I'd give more than 5 stars if I could. 3. My biggest disappointment so far this year is 'Fake History: From Mozart's Murder to Cleopatra's Asp' by Graeme Donald, which I DNF'd. 4. Before the end of the year, I want to: * Get started on Sanderson * Get started on ACOTAR * Read 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi * Finish reading 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas * Finish reading 'The Little Red Yellow Black Book' * Read 'Peach Season' by Debra Oswald * Read 'No Sugar' by Jack Davis
@@deldevours wow thanks so much for sharing this and welcome to the channel! You have made my TBR grow quite a bit with just this 1 comment. Can’t thank you enough.
John you’re my boy! Dalinar is the man! My absolute favorite character, which is why Oathbringer is my favorite as well. Rhythm of War was my least favorite but my most emotional read of the series, so I’d be interested in your thoughts once you’ve read it.
Same answer for best book of the year so far! 💪 And for anticipated release! (See you there in December!) Right with you on the Dalinar Oathbringer train too 💪
Sounds like you've been having a good year for reading. Mine has also been good, though it's been slow going. I've been ridiculously busy with other stuff, but now I have some free time where I can catch up. Keep up with that quality content uncle!
1. Best book of 2024 so far: I'm going with a reread for this one. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers. 2. Best sequel of 2024 so far: In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan 3. New release I haven't read yet: Time of the Cat by Tansy Rayner Roberts looks good 4. Most anticipated release of the second half: I'm actually not sure on this one. 5. Biggest disappointment: Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames 6. Biggest surprise: How to Mars by David Ebenbach 7. Fave new author: to go with one who hasn't shown up in my answers yet, Heather Fawcett, otherwise I'd probably say Marie Brennan 8. New favorite characters: Hmm... I suppose Lady Trent from Marie Brennan's series 9. New fictional crush: Uhh... Don't think I can name anyone here. 10. Book that made me happy: In the Labyrinth of Drakes 11. Book that made me cry: Nothing so far this year. A Prayer for the Crown Shy is probably closest. 12. Fave new book-movie adaptation: I think the only one I've watched is The Tree Body Problem. I haven't read the book yet. 13. Books you really want to read by the end of the year: Books 2 and 3 of Annihilation, book 5 of Lady Trent, The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov (loved the first 2)
I'm reading "The Tainted Cup" right now (on your recommendation) and I'm LOVING IT. Ana and Din just shot up in my list of favourite characters ... especially Ana 😆. A very fascinating world indeed.
I just finished Oathbringer last week and i’m so glad to see someone liking it more then radiance. I love Shallan and Kal but Dalinar is borderline a god and his backstory consumed me.
I have City of Thieves sitting on my shelves now waiting for me (thanks to you), and I just today finished The Tainted Cup. It seems to me like Bennett just touched the tip of that world’s iceberg with this first volume…he left it wide open for sequels that could go in so many different directions! Loved it. Have a great week, John & Jakob
Thank you for responding to the tag! So glad I tagged someone with the 100% correct opinion about Oathbringer and our boy Dalinar 😊 I want to get into some GGK also this year. Would a Song for Arbonne be a good one to start with?
I listened to Paul Tremblay on a podcast (The Proffesional Book Nerds? I think) talking about it and I have to read that book. Service Model is absolutely on my want to read list as well. And you know my feelings on Book of Love. We are in agreement on that one. It had some promise, but just didn't work for me. Man, I can't even imagine picking my favorite character of the year. :P But it has been a very good year. According to Goodreads, I've rated twelve 5 stars so far this year (out of 38 books) so I've got no complaints. :)
Guy Gavriel Kay is an extraordinary writer, hopefully more people will pick up his books! Under Heaven is easily one of the greatest novels I’ve ever read…
GGK is going to live rent free in your brain for a very long time. For RJB, you should check out his Divine Cities trilogy next! Hopefully the 2nd half of the year treats you as well as the first half did.
1. Best of the year so far: Will of the Many by James Islington 2. Best sequel of the year: Golden Son by Pierce Brown 3. New release I haven’t read yet: You Like it Darker by Stephen King 4. Most anticipated release of second half: Red God by Pierce Brown (manifesting that it comes in 2024 and not 2025) 5. Biggest disappointment: Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby. Wanted to like it but the tone wasn’t for me 6. Biggest surprise: The Ferryman by Justin Cronin. 7. Favorite new author: Thomas R. Weaver (Artificial Wisdom) 8. New favorite character: Gotta be Sevro from the Red Rising series. 9. New fictional crush: Misaki, Sword of Kaigen. 10. Book that made me happy: Light Bringer, by Pierce Brown. 11. Book that made me cry: Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang 12: fave new book movie adaptation: Dune Part 2 13. Books I really need to read before end of the year: Name of the Wind, Lies of Locke Lamora, Mistborn Final Empire, and Blood Over Bright Haven. Love the channel and content! Keep it up!
I very rarely cry reading, but I read Love That Dog by Sharon Creech for the first time since elementary school and it definitely brought me to tears. It's not a novel, more of a 20 minute read written in poems, but I highly recommend it
I have had SO many great reads this year- I genuinely think it is my best reading year as well but this month hasn’t been boding very well for the rest of it. At least I can stay happy with my crazy 10 FIVE star reads so far.
Alright I'll bite! 1. Best book of 2024 so far - Demon In White by Christopher Ruocchio 2. Best sequel of 2024 so far - Demon In White by Christopher Ruocchio 3. New release I haven’t read yet - Tainted Cup, Empire of the Damned, Silverblood Promise, so many!! 4. Most anticipated release of second half - Wind and Truth by far - but honorable mention to Fury of the Gods 5. Biggest disappointment - man that's tough, I don't know if I have one! Maybe Blood and Bone by Ian C Esslemont if I have to choose one 6. Biggest surprise - Ascendent/Unbound by Michael R Miller 7. Fave new author - Christopher Ruocchio (can you see a theme?) 8. New favorite characters - Hadrian Marlowe 9. New fictional crush - Valka Onderra (yep it's a theme) 10. Book that made me happy - Orb Sceptre Throne by Ian C Esslemont 11. Book that made me cry - not really a book but, the Arabasta arc of One Piece 12. Fave new book-movie adaptation - Dune 13. Books I really need to read by end of year - Shadow of the Gods & Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne, Inheritance of Magic by Benedict Jacka, and Kingdoms of Death by Ruocchio because I need more Sun Eater NOW. And I've been convinced to do the Edan Trilogy as well but I'm probably going to wait until the Broken Binding releases, so if they come out in 2024 then it's game on!
Same! I’ve read three Stormlight books and finished a storm of swords this year but… Demon In White takes the top spot. Not only my fave of the year but my all time fave.
I went to the first Dragonsteel con in 2021. There were still covid restrictions in place everywhere, and there were only about 1500 people in attendance. We actually spent Thanksgiving in Utah that year. I get to go again this year, and it's gonna be a whole different vibe. I hope I'll get to say hello to all my favorite booktubers that will be there. There will be almost 7x the number of people attending this year from 2021.
@Talking_Story I will come up and introduce myself if I see you. I'm kinda shy in person. But youtubers are just regular people, so it shouldn't be too difficult for me. Lol
For me: 1. For standalone: A Brightness Long Ago/ GGK For series: Fool's Errand / Robin Hobb 2. Fool's Fate / Robin Hobb 3. Play of Shadows / Sebastien De Castell 4. Kithamar 3 / Daniel Abraham and Steven Erikson's No Life Forsaken 5. Of Darkness &Light / Ryan Cahill was a DNF, couldn't have gave less of a f*** if I tried 😂 and Michael Crichton's Grave Descend which was forgettable. 6. Shutter Island / Dennis Lehane 7. Larry McMurtry and Dennis Lehane 8. Fool's Errand 9. Don't get any. 10. Paragon from Liveship Traders, Augustus McCrae from Lonesome Dove, Guidanio Cera from A Brightness Long Ago 11. Fool's Fate / Robin Hobb 12. Spear Cuts Through Water I guess. 13. Whatever the f*** I want 😂 I hate this question NGL
I'm currently reading Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay after my librarian recommended it since I was in a reading slump, and I want to read more of his books.
Wow, awesome tag! You have some bangers on there! Hahaha love Manza, she's pretty awesome. Service Model was great, you should definitely check it out!
@@Talking_Story And it had some banger books along the way. My favourite thing from Sanderson has been Sixth of Dusk, which is why I'm more hyped for Isles of Emberdark than Wind and Truth. I wonder if I'm in the minority with that 😉
My favorite book so far is easily Happy Place by Emily Henry. Other favorites have been The Iliad (Emily Wilson’s translation), Titus Groan and Gormenghast (the first two books of the Gormenghast series) by Mervyn Peake, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon, and all the Black Company books (by Glen Cook) I’ve read this year.
My book of the year so far is The Wall of Storms book 2 in the Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu. John if you haven't read the Dandelion Dynasty yet put it in the TBR lol. Think an Asain flavored game of thrones with political intrigue, family drama, history, and engineering achievements. It has insane battles and some of the most realized incredible world building EVER.
@Talking_Story I'm just gonna say there's certain books that make you say damn I'm glad I'm a reader. This series but especially this book is just PERFECTION.
Enjoyed Arbonne but GGK just has some quirks, like a literal puppy kicking villain, so it lost out to Curse of Chalion. The sequel was Paladin of Souls. Crush Ista. Yes, Lois McMaster Bujold theme going on.
Anybody who enjoys A Song For Arbonne- and who the heck wouldn't?- I highly recommend everything else by GGK. If you don't know where to start, try Tigana and/or The Lions of Al Rassan. Great to see Guy Gavriel Kay on here. He is, imho, one of the greatest writers.
Huh? From what I remember Oathbringer had like the biggest Sanderlanche ever. I promise if I ever get to talk to Brandon Sanderson I will try to get him to let you play Dalinar in a hypothetical Stormlight adaptation.
@@ericF-17 sanderlanche is huge in both. For some reason I rank WoR a little bigger. If I said it wasn’t I was not in complete control of my words 😀. And yes feel free to work on my casting in that role all you want😂
Mid year freakout for me: the expanse books 1-6, 6 was probably the worst one due to the over abundant povs, yes even worse than book 4, I actually enjoyed that one more than I thought, it was funny. The short story collection so far has been more of a miss on the stories, some I would keep though, like butcher of Anderson station and the churn, otherwise I don't remember much of the others and the ones I can were drags. No crying because I'm dead inside. The one that made me happy depends on definition of happy, book 4 had the most humor, but book 5 was the one that had the povs from the roci crew, much like what happened in the season so not really spoiling anything since you've seen the show. My cinnamon roll character is honestly Holden, from the books, I don't know, just feel he tries to do the right thing, may be the dumbest thing, but he does try and I appreciate that characteristic, I just want to protect him. He needs to be weaned off coffee though, it's an unhealthy addiction (and gross, coffee is gross). I still have 7, 8, 9, and the remaining short stories to go, but I'd still recommend the series. They don't call it game of thrones in space for a reason, it's very character driven. There are differences to the series, especially book 1 since the only povs are Holden and Miller, so none of the other stuff will be in there, opening is on Julie like the show, and the epilogue is from Fred's perspective if I remember correctly. That's another thing the books do is the prologue and epilogue are usually different character povs from the main story, with the exception of book 6 which is all over the place, but understandable because a lot is happening, and you need to be in many places, but it gets confusing, like who is this random person showing up, and since the chapters are around 10 pages each, it's not much time with them, you may see them again, you may not.
@Talking_Story I honestly don't know if it's better to have read the books before the show or after the show, I like having the show because then I do have some visuals in case something is written beyond my comprehension, action scenes I like having that for as well for context. The books are better for most things, unless the visual entertainment does something different, then it pisses people off if something doesn't happen exactly like the books. Which I think what the readers of fire and blood are figuring out lol. But I also like getting into my favorite characters on screen's heads in the books. What I like about the book over the show is the beginning relationship between the characters, Naomi wasn't such a -itch and Amos wasn't really antagonistic with Holden at the start either. As much as I grew to love Naomi (season 5), I liked her much earlier in the books, and the actress was amazing, but she definitely should've been taller, it stands out in the books their height difference. Book 3 was a bit of a struggle for me because of the Bull and Melba povs, took me a while to get through that one honestly, I think that's when I took my break. And I found in the first 3 books, it took a bit for me to get really into them, the last 3rd/4th of the book would fly by, but the first part was slow. Book 4 I expected to be the worst one, and I think I liked it more than most, except for one aspect of the story, which was pretty cringe, once it sorted itself out though, it was really good, and very different from the others. It's like first 3 are trilogies, then 4 is a standalone, 5 and 6 are dualogies. Think the last 3 make up a trilogy too. You can't read them out of order obviously because the story is progressive, but that's how they flow together. I have to make it through the rest, now I don't have anything else for reference.
@@jenn9027 I did stick in for all the season of the show. Maybe I just felt the weight of a long series that had not grabbed me yet. I probably sucked out too soon.
@Talking_Story it's actually weird that it didn't grab you, seems like it would be right up your alley, especially if you loved the show. But it did take me several tries, I'm definitely a mood reader, if I'm not feeling it, it just means I'm in the mood for something else. You should see how often I switch between audiobooks and TV shows. Took me like 5 times to get through season 1 of Dexter, great show, up to about season 5 or something, then downhill from there. And the last season was cringe and pissed me off lol. Timing timing timing, it's everything.
is it possible to get in touch with you and make a helping deal when it comes to wind and truth purchase? I’m from Europe and I can’t (having a baby) travel to dragonsteel and it’s super hard to even have a signed and stamped version of the wind and truth by ordering it online. My question is: when you are there is it possible to buy an extra copy and have it shipped? I pay all the fees of course (shipping etc)
@@focusrelax8838 to my understanding the signed copy comes with the premium ticket I have purchased. There will not be more to pick up while I am there. Sorry.
Best Served Cold!! So much to say, but I'll settle for sharing that it's when Shivers became my top pick for the best character in that world -- which is saying something.
@@dant7677 wow. High praise.
1. Best book of 2024 so far: Trouble With Peace
2. Best sequel of 2024 so far
Mad Ship but of course Trouble with Peace too
3. New release I haven’t read yet: Dreams of Fire & Dreams of Sorrow, novellas by Shaunna Lawless ( only out on E-book)
4. Most anticipated release of second half: Daughter’s War, it was excellent!!
5. Biggest disappointment: Sea of Tranquility. Both Alex@ Frankfiction and the Mintons loved it.
6. Biggest surprise: We Are The Dead, it feels fresh.
7. Fave new author: Tie: Shaunna Lawless & Christopher Buehlman
8. New favorite characters: the liveships: Vavacia & Paragon
9. New fictional crush: Konrad Vonvault, how is he not the POV?
10. Book that made me happy:
Wizard of EarthSea narrated by Harlan Ellison
11. Book that made me cry: Ship of Destiny put me way off kilter for a few chapters
12. Fave new book-movie adaptation: All the Light I Can Not See
13. Books really need to read by end of year: Fury of the Gods, War & Ruin, Lions of Al-Rassan
Love this list thanks Heidi. Glad I am not only 1 responsible for the Sea of Tranquility.
Fun video! I mean, I'm supposed to be reading right now, but I can't miss Talking Story. note to self, blame John for unfinished TBR. Quote of the video.. "I am uncomfortable." - Jakob Minton.
@@BrianBell7 Jakob always gets the best lines.
@@BrianBell7 that one made me laugh too lol
I think he says that every video 😂
@@gryftkin if I’m not making him uncomfortable what kinda father am I?
@@Talking_Story a great one. If you can’t embarrass your kids, are you even trying! 😂
An entire tag of agonizing over answers... WE LOVE TO SEE IT!!
Honestly, Monza is one of the most crush-worthy people in the entire First Law universe hahah. You've got such a great list of books waiting for you in the second half of the year, I can't wait to see you discover even more new faves! 🤩
I cannot wait either! Thanks Esmay.
This is one heck of a tag. Making me remember details about books I read months ago. Sheesh.
Oh well, sorry for the wall of text.
1. Best book of 2024 so far - Aftershock, by Zhang Ling
2. Best sequel of 2024 so far - Truth of the Aleke, by Moses Ose Utomi
3. New release I haven’t read yet - Private Rites, by Julia Armfield (it's out in the UK, it counts!)
4. Most anticipated release of second half - Private Rites US release; Absolution, by Jeff Vandermeer; Dark Drinker, by Zamil Akhtar
5. Biggest disappointment - probably Fireheart Tiger, by Aliette de Bodard (it's still fine though)
6. Biggest surprise - Dreams of the Dying, by Nicolas Lietzau
7. Fave new author - it's Janny Wurts, innit
8. New favorite characters - Idris, from Tchaikovsky's Shards of Earth
9. New fictional crush - probably Idris too
10. Book that made me happy - Lies of the Ajungo, by Moses Ose Utomi
11. Book that made me cry - This Is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
12. Fave new book-movie adaptation - Three Body Problem (haven't seen any new movies)
13. Books I really need to read by end of year - Private Rites, A Day of Fallen Night, Vagabonds by Hao Jingfang, A Song for Arbonne, Acceptance, Authority, Absolution, and as many Wars of Light and Shadow books as I reasonably can
This is awesome thanks! I forgot about the 3 body adaptation. That was a good time.
Just put Aftershocks on my wishlist - thanks for the rec!
And in terms of Rythym of War, I actual liked it second best, behind Words of Radiance. You discover so much it’s great!
@@rosssims7224 I am ready for it. I think it is October.
-WARNING FOR NOVELLA LENGTH OF TEXT (Sorry 😅)So happy to hear your year's been so great! Mine has been a mixed bag but in a good way. Very few dissapointments and some outstanding books as well. Definitevly and interesting year with a lot of reading outside my comfort zone and broadening my view in a most satisfying way. Heres my list for the year;
1. Best book of 2024 so far: The lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson (I love Wayne so much!)
2. Best sequel of 2024 so far: Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier
3. New release I haven’t read yet: Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan
4. Most anticipated release of second half: Easily The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
5. Biggest disappointment: Strindberg's Star by Jan Wallentin
6. Biggest surprise: Ruby red trilogy by Kerstin Gier (Romantasy timetravel sooo far from what I usually pick up but it was such a cosy and fun read. Had a really good time with it)
7. Fave new author: Daniel Abraham (Okay I'm cheating a little since I've read what he cowrote with Ty Franck as James SA Corey but this was the first time I've read something from him solo and what a beautiful experince that was!)
8. New favorite characters: Wayne (His not new but definitely the BEST!) Xemerius and Sammish are quite fun as well.
9. New fictional crush: Nope no new crushes yet!
10. Book that made me happy: Defiant by Brandon Sanderson. (Look, I just want to have a emotional support space slug okay!)
11. Book that made me cry: Okay I have to have a repeat here but very few books actually makes me cry and this one did... The lost metal (Next year I promise I'll try to be more varied 😅)
12. Fave new book-movie adaptation: It's not new and probably a hot take but i really dug the Mortal Engines adaptation (sure it flawed but it has the spirit of the book which is for me to most important part)
13. Books really need to read by end of year: The entirety of Stormlight Archive (okay I am on a cosmere role but there happens to be a big book comming out this year so it's not my fault!)
@@emzstern oh man you have you so ready to get to Lost Metal next month.
@@Talking_Story I appologize if I've overhyped it at this point! But I can't wait to hear your thoughts about it!
@@emzstern I am really enjoying era 2 more than I expected.
I’m glad you mentioned good reads. I set goals and sometimes I do find it stressful and have rushed myself to finish when I should just enjoy the experience.
@@pattic6077 I do my best to stay away from setting goals when it comes to enjoying stories.
Yes, «Arbonne»!
1. Best book so far in 2024:
«A Brightness Long Ago» by Guy Gavriel Kay (Fantasy inspired by the Mercenary Wars of Renaissance Italy) & «Imperium» by Robert Harris (Cicero Trilogy #1, Historical Fiction about the Eponymous Roman Politician)!
2. Best sequel so far in 2024:
«Brother Red» by Adrian Selby (Grimdark Fantasy, standalone «midquel» to «Snakewood» & «The Winter Road»), «Howling Dark» (Sun Eater #2) by Christopher Ruocchio (Space opera) & «The Fort» (City of Victory Trilogy #1, sequel to the «Vindolandia» Trilogy) by Adrian Goldsworthy (Historical Military Fiction set during Emperor Trajan’s Campaigns)!
3. New release I haven't read:
«Disquiet Gods»(Sun Eater, #6) by Christopher Ruocchio (Space opera): A bit cheating, as I have not yet read book 3 to 5, but yeah, really looking forward to the next novels!
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year:
Book #3 of «The Sundered Nation» Trilogy by Vaughn Roycroft, the Standalone Sequel of the «Edan» Trilogy by our dear Philip Chase & «The Fury of the Gods» (#3 in the «Bloodsworn Saga») by John Gwynne!
5. Biggest disappointment:
I feel I am a bit spoiled, as I have not read any truly bad novels or have given up reading any books for a long time, but «Idoru» by William Gibson (Bridge Trilogy #2, Cyberpunk) was, while not bad, still a small letdown from book #1, «Virtual Light» (a 3.5 out of 5, compared to «VL»’s 4.5).
6. Favorite new author:
Christopher Ruocchio & Tad Williams
7. Biggest surprise:
«Islands in the Net» by Bruce Sterling ((Post-)Cyberpunk), a really pleasant surprise, as I had prepared for a good cheesy 80s Cyberpunk story: Is there Hackers, Data Pirate Havens and Rastafarians? Sure, but unlike most dystopian Cyberpunk novels, this broke from the norm by having the 30-something mother of a toddler as the protagonist and interesting concepts such a Economic Democratic Cooperations (almost reminiscent of the ideas floating by Kim Stanley Robinson in his Sci Fi Novels, if not utopian then at least not at all the usual Techno/Neo-Feudalism of most Cyberpunk!) and genuine energy solutions ideas that might benefit smaller nations, as well as a use of psy-ops and drones that made it a lot more forward minded than I expected!
8. Book that made me happy:
I have to say «Imperium» by Robert Harris: I had read Harris only once (his alt-history novel «Fatherland», set in a 1960s where the US did not join WW2 (but defeated Japan) and the World is divided into a Cold War between the USA and N@zi Germany: Great read, but obviously not full of laughs) but he not only nails the history and politics of Ancient Rome, following the ups and downs of Cicero is at times borderline satirical (but also serves as an encouraging) take on Modern Politics as well.
9. Newest fictional crush:
I guess I have to say Laura Webster from «Islands in the Net», but I also have to give a shout out to Cicero’s Wife in «Imperium» (such a fun contrast but also weirdly fitting her husband! ) and to the Old Couple in «The Buried Giant» by Kazuo Ishigaro: So wholesome and heartbreaking!
10. Newest favorite character:
Undoubtedly Cicero from «Imperium»
11. Book that made me cry:
«Når landet mørknar» (Approximately «When The (This?) Land Darkens») by Tore Kvæven, Historical Fiction set during the 13th Century decline of the Norse Settlements of Greenland, think of it as a Norse John Steinbeck! Well-worthy winner of the 2018 Brage Prize for Best Norwegian Novel! But will also shoutout «Stonehenge» by Bernard Cornwell (Man, the Human Sacrifice of Children hit me!) and «The Buried Giant» by Kazuo Ishigaro: Heartbreaking!
12. Most beautiful book so far this year:
The new cover of my e-book copy «Queen Amid Ashes» (Sun Eater, #2.5) by Christopher Ruocchio, is gorgeous! Also: While it is visually very plain, obviously my inherited copy of «Brothers Karamazov» by Dostoevsky from my late Aunt have immense sentimental value!
13. What books I need to read by the end of the year?
After the novels I mentioned in point 4, I have to say the rest of the «Cicero» Trilogy by Robert Harris, the rest of the «Memory, Sorrow & Thorn» «Trilogy» by Tad Williams, the rest of the «Prince of Nothing» Trilogy by R. Scott Bakker, the final two novels in the «City of Victory» Trilogy by Adrian Goldsworthy and the final two novels in «The Expanse» by James S. A. Corey!
Cheers!
@@MacScarfield as always amazing answers and reason. I love that you take this time to respond my friend. Means so much to me.
Great answers to the tag, mate! I pre-ordered my hardback of Wind and Truth but I also pre-ordered on Kindle to hedge my bets so I can start it at 12am on 6th December!
@@unlimitedreads you got all you bases covered!
It was Nicoma Cosca for me. That man is a legend.
@@Chance.Dillon no doubt straight up legend and hilarious!
To me , Nikmo Cosca is very similar to Amos Trask from Feist’s Magician! The rascal that helped out Prince Arutha and navigated the Straits of Darkness. I bet Abercrombie was a Feist fan!😀
@@heidi6281 would not be surprised if he was at all.
I couldn't help but play along.
1. Best book of 2024 so far: Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
2. Best sequel of 2024 so far: Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
3. New release I haven’t read yet : The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence
4. Most anticipated release of second half The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne
5. Biggest disappointment Cold West by Clayton Snyder
6. Biggest surprise Return to Edan by Philip Chase
7. Fave new author Dennis Lehane
8. New favorite characters Mary Pat from Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane
9. New fictional crush Adam from the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs
10. Book that made me happy Cheerfulness by Garrison Keillor
11. Book that made me cry Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
12. Fave new book-movie adaptation Haven't seen any so pick Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
13. Books really need to read by end of year Memories of Ice
Glad I discovered your channel, am truly enjoying it!
@@jan2bratt thanks so much for the kind words and for sharing your amazing answers. So glad you found the channel as well!
Another banger! I’ve been loving the cold opens.
I gotta say my favorite book this year so far is ‘A World Without End’ the second book in the kingsbridge series. Probably because I found Caris is the most relatable character I’ve ever read
I have got to get to Pillars. It is on the pile.
I’ll take a crack at these questions. Did this for Allen and Joanna’s live stream. This whole year has been……ok for me so far. Mind you, I have read some great books but I am surprised at how few books I have read where I remember vividly thinking “this is a book of the year contender.” I am planning on changing my strategy a bit and just recklessly going for those books that have been staring at me forever which I think might do the trick. Best book I have read so far has probably been The Heike Story by Yoshikawa. Best sequel or short story you've read so far in 2024…….The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan probably. This was quite surprising to me. I find these books very relaxing on my way to work. Favorite re-read……Under Heaven. My book of the year for 2023. Genre you've been loving/reading the most……I read a lot of nonfiction and historical fiction. New release or authors you haven't read yet but want to……Adrian Tchaikovsky and Miklos Banffy. I also plan on finishing the Xanth series (I really treasure those books as my birth dad gave me his collection of them the first Christmas I spent with his family. It was his favorite series). Most anticipated release for the second half of the year…..I haven’t honestly been paying attention. I’ll look into that. Biggest disappointment…….honestly, the first house of cards book. It just didn’t capture my imagination. I did have the flu when I was reading it though. Biggest surprise…….I like Cormac McCarthy. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)….Yoshikawa again here. People who like Shogun might really like his books. Newest favorite character….Lord Tengen from demon slayer. On my god. Book that made you cry…..the demon slayer volume with the spider kid. If you know, you know. Book that made you happy….Letters from Father Christmas by Tolkien. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)……..the colored illustration edition of Myths and Legends of Japan by Davis. They usually cost a fortune, but I found one being sold by a German man cheap. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?………What a question! Well, Judgement at Tokyo, Lord of Emperors, Children of Time, the rest of Yoshikawa’s books, the original Tale of the Heike, the rest of Kawabata’s books, and the rest of Legend of the Galactic Heroes.
@@Fianna1775 thanks so much for sharing this. What a wonderful way to get into Xanth!
@@Talking_Story Yeah Xanth is a trip! It's funny because if you look at the map of Xanth it's a map of Florida. So there is a very good chance that these books are really just a nonfiction series on what goes down in Florida day to day.
@@Fianna1775 😂
This video showed up in my feed, so I thought I'd check it out. Great vibe and lots of additions to my tbr. Subscribed.
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Oh my gosh, I love the Empire trilogy as well, and I also cried! I love these books -- they have a place on my permanent collection shelf.
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I haven't started on Sanderson yet, but he's on my tbr.
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In answer to your questions:
1. My reading year started off shaky, I didn't get a lot of reading done in the first few months for various reasons, but it picked up around June/July, so I'm happy 🙂.
2. My favourite book so far this year is 'Ghost Bird' by Lisa Fuller, which I'd give more than 5 stars if I could.
3. My biggest disappointment so far this year is 'Fake History: From Mozart's Murder to Cleopatra's Asp' by Graeme Donald, which I DNF'd.
4. Before the end of the year, I want to:
* Get started on Sanderson
* Get started on ACOTAR
* Read 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
* Finish reading 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas
* Finish reading 'The Little Red Yellow Black Book'
* Read 'Peach Season' by Debra Oswald
* Read 'No Sugar' by Jack Davis
@@deldevours wow thanks so much for sharing this and welcome to the channel! You have made my TBR grow quite a bit with just this 1 comment. Can’t thank you enough.
Empire of the Damned was a huge win for me too John. Dune part 2 was such a great movie. I’m so glad to finally be caught up on the Cosmere.
@@BookishChas I will be happy to be caught up with the Cosmere by years end.
The tainted cup has been one of my favorite reads of the year. It was also the first book I had read by him so now I’m exploring his other books.
@@captnsquashypant82 let me know what u find!
"I don't care if it's thick or small" oh the words I wish I heard from her
😂
Who else is going to call into work late on December 6th? Have to be the first one in line when B&N opens!!!
@@lorifrederick2367 gonna be a big day!
John you’re my boy! Dalinar is the man! My absolute favorite character, which is why Oathbringer is my favorite as well. Rhythm of War was my least favorite but my most emotional read of the series, so I’d be interested in your thoughts once you’ve read it.
@@KindlesandKicks looking like September for that 1 I think.
100% with you on the Kristoff book! I think Phoebe is one of my fave characters of the year
@@mrebeast nice!
Same answer for best book of the year so far! 💪
And for anticipated release! (See you there in December!)
Right with you on the Dalinar Oathbringer train too 💪
@@BooksWithBenghisKahn knew I was not alone on that train!
Sounds like you've been having a good year for reading. Mine has also been good, though it's been slow going. I've been ridiculously busy with other stuff, but now I have some free time where I can catch up.
Keep up with that quality content uncle!
@@someokiedude9549 keep on catching up!
1. Best book of 2024 so far: I'm going with a reread for this one. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers.
2. Best sequel of 2024 so far: In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan
3. New release I haven't read yet: Time of the Cat by Tansy Rayner Roberts looks good
4. Most anticipated release of the second half: I'm actually not sure on this one.
5. Biggest disappointment: Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
6. Biggest surprise: How to Mars by David Ebenbach
7. Fave new author: to go with one who hasn't shown up in my answers yet, Heather Fawcett, otherwise I'd probably say Marie Brennan
8. New favorite characters: Hmm... I suppose Lady Trent from Marie Brennan's series
9. New fictional crush: Uhh... Don't think I can name anyone here.
10. Book that made me happy: In the Labyrinth of Drakes
11. Book that made me cry: Nothing so far this year. A Prayer for the Crown Shy is probably closest.
12. Fave new book-movie adaptation: I think the only one I've watched is The Tree Body Problem. I haven't read the book yet.
13. Books you really want to read by the end of the year: Books 2 and 3 of Annihilation, book 5 of Lady Trent, The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov (loved the first 2)
@@katherinep1010 I love the Robot books as well. Thanks so much for sharing your responses with me 😀.
John that’s final battle in Oathbringer, holy cow! A certain elsecaller was such a bad ass!
@@rosssims7224 oh yes!!
I'm reading "The Tainted Cup" right now (on your recommendation) and I'm LOVING IT. Ana and Din just shot up in my list of favourite characters ... especially Ana 😆. A very fascinating world indeed.
@@Why_do_I_do_this. so looking forward to book 2!
I just finished my most anticipated... THE DAUGHTERS' WAR
Now I'm jonesing for August 6th and HOUSE OF BONE AND RAIN 😲
@@ithrahmunchswallow468 let me know how that 1 is.
@@Talking_Story 🙌🏻
I just finished Oathbringer last week and i’m so glad to see someone liking it more then radiance. I love Shallan and Kal but Dalinar is borderline a god and his backstory consumed me.
@@mikeymike9063 yesssss!!
A Song for Arbonne!!! ❤
Mykkael is an excellent choice!
I loved Monza as your fictional crush 😂
So glad you did the tag. It’s my favorite!
@@Johanna_reads thanks Johanna. I got Monza on my mind.
@@Talking_Story 🤣
I have City of Thieves sitting on my shelves now waiting for me (thanks to you), and I just today finished The Tainted Cup. It seems to me like Bennett just touched the tip of that world’s iceberg with this first volume…he left it wide open for sequels that could go in so many different directions! Loved it. Have a great week, John & Jakob
@@StoryGirl1128 so glad you enjoyed Tainted. I can’t wait to hear what you think of City of Thieves.
@@StoryGirl1128 and yes I agree this first book barely scratches the surface of that amazing world.
This looks fun. Kinda want to do one, but my read books stack is probably small enough that I would have some repeats. Might attempt it anyway. Lol.
@@N.A.Summur go for it
Thank you for responding to the tag!
So glad I tagged someone with the 100% correct opinion about Oathbringer and our boy Dalinar 😊
I want to get into some GGK also this year. Would a Song for Arbonne be a good one to start with?
@@valliyarnl I think Song is a great start and I think u will love it!
In Patreon’s voting you have Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Mr Pooh is waiting for it in Grande Finale
@@godzillasan1817 I would be fine with that winning 😀
I listened to Paul Tremblay on a podcast (The Proffesional Book Nerds? I think) talking about it and I have to read that book. Service Model is absolutely on my want to read list as well. And you know my feelings on Book of Love. We are in agreement on that one. It had some promise, but just didn't work for me. Man, I can't even imagine picking my favorite character of the year. :P But it has been a very good year. According to Goodreads, I've rated twelve 5 stars so far this year (out of 38 books) so I've got no complaints. :)
@@gryftkin I do know we agree on that 1 😂. Sounds like u r having a great reading year!
Guy Gavriel Kay is an extraordinary writer, hopefully more people will pick up his books! Under Heaven is easily one of the greatest novels I’ve ever read…
I will add that 1 to my list. I am definitely doing more.
Under Heaven is easily a Top 3 GGK book for me
@@thatsci-firogue and number 1 and 2 are???…
@@thatsci-firogue nice!
@@Mark-iv6ygA Brightness Long Ago and Lions of Al-Rassan
GGK is going to live rent free in your brain for a very long time. For RJB, you should check out his Divine Cities trilogy next! Hopefully the 2nd half of the year treats you as well as the first half did.
@@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels I have that same hope my friend!
I've already included A Song for Airbone in my TBR. Thanks!
@@dannyjorde2677 awesome. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
50 pages in to A Song for Arbonne and enjoying so far! Will be reading Empire of the Damned in the next few months.
@@cynthiafialka let me know how both of those hit for you. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Might have to grab popcorn before watching this beast of a video
Snack are always good!
1. Best of the year so far: Will of the Many by James Islington
2. Best sequel of the year: Golden Son by Pierce Brown
3. New release I haven’t read yet: You Like it Darker by Stephen King
4. Most anticipated release of second half: Red God by Pierce Brown (manifesting that it comes in 2024 and not 2025)
5. Biggest disappointment: Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby. Wanted to like it but the tone wasn’t for me
6. Biggest surprise: The Ferryman by Justin Cronin.
7. Favorite new author: Thomas R. Weaver (Artificial Wisdom)
8. New favorite character: Gotta be Sevro from the Red Rising series.
9. New fictional crush: Misaki, Sword of Kaigen.
10. Book that made me happy: Light Bringer, by Pierce Brown.
11. Book that made me cry: Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
12: fave new book movie adaptation: Dune Part 2
13. Books I really need to read before end of the year: Name of the Wind, Lies of Locke Lamora, Mistborn Final Empire, and Blood Over Bright Haven.
Love the channel and content! Keep it up!
@@sethsimmons5671 thanks so much for sharing! Thanks for the kindness. Looks like you have an amazing year going!
I very rarely cry reading, but I read Love That Dog by Sharon Creech for the first time since elementary school and it definitely brought me to tears. It's not a novel, more of a 20 minute read written in poems, but I highly recommend it
@@danieladams5329 I will look for that for sure.
I have had SO many great reads this year- I genuinely think it is my best reading year as well but this month hasn’t been boding very well for the rest of it. At least I can stay happy with my crazy 10 FIVE star reads so far.
@@CombativeRoboGuy wow 10 that is amazing!
@@Talking_Story I know, it made me very satisfied when I noticed it through Storygraph’s graphs.
@@CombativeRoboGuy so cool
Hell yea
Alright I'll bite!
1. Best book of 2024 so far - Demon In White by Christopher Ruocchio
2. Best sequel of 2024 so far - Demon In White by Christopher Ruocchio
3. New release I haven’t read yet - Tainted Cup, Empire of the Damned, Silverblood Promise, so many!!
4. Most anticipated release of second half - Wind and Truth by far - but honorable mention to Fury of the Gods
5. Biggest disappointment - man that's tough, I don't know if I have one! Maybe Blood and Bone by Ian C Esslemont if I have to choose one
6. Biggest surprise - Ascendent/Unbound by Michael R Miller
7. Fave new author - Christopher Ruocchio (can you see a theme?)
8. New favorite characters - Hadrian Marlowe
9. New fictional crush - Valka Onderra (yep it's a theme)
10. Book that made me happy - Orb Sceptre Throne by Ian C Esslemont
11. Book that made me cry - not really a book but, the Arabasta arc of One Piece
12. Fave new book-movie adaptation - Dune
13. Books I really need to read by end of year - Shadow of the Gods & Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne, Inheritance of Magic by Benedict Jacka, and Kingdoms of Death by Ruocchio because I need more Sun Eater NOW. And I've been convinced to do the Edan Trilogy as well but I'm probably going to wait until the Broken Binding releases, so if they come out in 2024 then it's game on!
Same! I’ve read three Stormlight books and finished a storm of swords this year but… Demon In White takes the top spot. Not only my fave of the year but my all time fave.
@@NerdLevelRising I do see a theme and I read Demon in White next month so I can’t wait to join you. Thanks so much for sharing your answers.
@@Vinteractive wow, now that's an endorsement! It really is incredible
@@Talking_Story I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on it!
The only problem with watching other CZcamsrs channels is that it only increases the tbr. So many books and so little time! Happy reading to you!
@@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk I could not agree more with you 😂
There is also Sando’s The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England but I dnf’d it 75% in, was waiting for it to be good.
I did not pick that 1 up. Tried to stick to only Cosmere books for the catch up.
I went to the first Dragonsteel con in 2021. There were still covid restrictions in place everywhere, and there were only about 1500 people in attendance. We actually spent Thanksgiving in Utah that year. I get to go again this year, and it's gonna be a whole different vibe. I hope I'll get to say hello to all my favorite booktubers that will be there. There will be almost 7x the number of people attending this year from 2021.
@@akellerhouse83 I hope we can meet face to face!
@Talking_Story I will come up and introduce myself if I see you. I'm kinda shy in person. But youtubers are just regular people, so it shouldn't be too difficult for me. Lol
@@akellerhouse83 I am the most regular person u will ever meet. If you see me would love to meet you.
Thumbs up right away for the Pointer Sisters!
@@Mark-iv6yg thank you!
For me:
1. For standalone: A Brightness Long Ago/ GGK
For series: Fool's Errand / Robin Hobb
2. Fool's Fate / Robin Hobb
3. Play of Shadows / Sebastien De Castell
4. Kithamar 3 / Daniel Abraham and Steven Erikson's No Life Forsaken
5. Of Darkness &Light / Ryan Cahill was a DNF, couldn't have gave less of a f*** if I tried 😂 and Michael Crichton's Grave Descend which was forgettable.
6. Shutter Island / Dennis Lehane
7. Larry McMurtry and Dennis Lehane
8. Fool's Errand
9. Don't get any.
10. Paragon from Liveship Traders, Augustus McCrae from Lonesome Dove, Guidanio Cera from A Brightness Long Ago
11. Fool's Fate / Robin Hobb
12. Spear Cuts Through Water I guess.
13. Whatever the f*** I want 😂 I hate this question NGL
@@thatsci-firogue oh man thanks so much for sharing.
I'm currently reading Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay after my librarian recommended it since I was in a reading slump, and I want to read more of his books.
@@nathaneichenberger9332 he is very fun.
Wow, awesome tag! You have some bangers on there! Hahaha love Manza, she's pretty awesome. Service Model was great, you should definitely check it out!
@@TheBeardedBookBeast thinking about calling an audible this month and getting to it.
@@Talking_Story It is a quick read! I hadn't read any of his books yet and really liked that one
@@TheBeardedBookBeast awesome to hear my friend thanks!
Love the shirt John! I need to get some Suneater merch.
Thanks it is 1 of my favs.
@@rosssims7224 and thanks for the kind words.
liked and subscribed. glad I found your channel and looking forward to your videos.
@@SeyePhi welcome to the channel! Thanks so much😀
Hey John really enjoy your channel and believe your channel will grow at a much faster rate over the next year due to great content and conversation.
@@theedgeofbreakup5192 thanks so much. Very kind of you to say.
Manza is gorgeous 😍
@@ithrahmunchswallow468 right?!!
35 books so far and my favourite was easily Dragonbone Chair. I'm on the Cosmere grind aswell. 5 left!
@@fairy_tale_philipp oh man we are on the same ride😂.
@@Talking_Story And it had some banger books along the way. My favourite thing from Sanderson has been Sixth of Dusk, which is why I'm more hyped for Isles of Emberdark than Wind and Truth. I wonder if I'm in the minority with that 😉
@@fairy_tale_philipp I really like 6th of dusk. Not my fav but I did really dig it.
Forgot to add book that made me cry, or at least get wispy, My Effin Life by Geddy Lee when it finally got to Neil's illness.
@@EricMcLuen I will have to look that 1 up.
My favorite book so far is easily Happy Place by Emily Henry. Other favorites have been The Iliad (Emily Wilson’s translation), Titus Groan and Gormenghast (the first two books of the Gormenghast series) by Mervyn Peake, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon, and all the Black Company books (by Glen Cook) I’ve read this year.
@@SheWasOnlyEvie awesome McCammon makes the list. I want to try Peake someday for sure. Thanks Evie.
My book of the year so far is The Wall of Storms book 2 in the Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu. John if you haven't read the Dandelion Dynasty yet put it in the TBR lol. Think an Asain flavored game of thrones with political intrigue, family drama, history, and engineering achievements. It has insane battles and some of the most realized incredible world building EVER.
@@bradschwartz9084 I have ordered the Broken Binding midnight Ed so I am getting to it for sure.
@Talking_Story I'm just gonna say there's certain books that make you say damn I'm glad I'm a reader. This series but especially this book is just PERFECTION.
@@bradschwartz9084 wow now I am seriously pumped up.
Enjoyed Arbonne but GGK just has some quirks, like a literal puppy kicking villain, so it lost out to Curse of Chalion.
The sequel was Paladin of Souls.
Crush Ista.
Yes, Lois McMaster Bujold theme going on.
I will add paladins souls to my list Thanks!
@Talking_Story It takes place about 3 years after Curse so a few characters carry over
@@EricMcLuen so curse come first I will put that on the list
Anybody who enjoys A Song For Arbonne- and who the heck wouldn't?- I highly recommend everything else by GGK. If you don't know where to start, try Tigana and/or The Lions of Al Rassan.
Great to see Guy Gavriel Kay on here. He is, imho, one of the greatest writers.
Also, I only discovered you because of the Twitter clip of you praising ASfA, and I'd like to say I am so pleased to have found this channel.
@@arcanics1971 welcome to the channel. So glad you found us. I have both Tigana and Lions bought and on the stack!
Some of us were here from the beginning but don’t pay for stuff we have no time for. So please don’t forget that we helped build the channel also.
@@sherribugd3799 absolutely I will not!
@@sherribugd3799 gonna put some thought into some new wording for that section Sherri thanks for reaching out on this for sure.
Huh? From what I remember Oathbringer had like the biggest Sanderlanche ever.
I promise if I ever get to talk to Brandon Sanderson I will try to get him to let you play Dalinar in a hypothetical Stormlight adaptation.
@@ericF-17 sanderlanche is huge in both. For some reason I rank WoR a little bigger. If I said it wasn’t I was not in complete control of my words 😀. And yes feel free to work on my casting in that role all you want😂
I'm with Team Jacob 😉 "Shame on them!" 😂
A lot on team Jakob.
I really need to pick up some GGK now
@@SpacedOutWizard yes you do!
Monza Murcatto , the Snake of Talins was hot! Despite …
@@godzillasan1817 yes despite…
Not sure if you knew this, but Abby reads City of Thieves in The Last of Us Part 2 game 😂
I did not know that. That is awesome thanks!
I'm waiting for Jason Voorhees 😈
Books books books
Yes yes yes!
Mid year freakout for me: the expanse books 1-6, 6 was probably the worst one due to the over abundant povs, yes even worse than book 4, I actually enjoyed that one more than I thought, it was funny. The short story collection so far has been more of a miss on the stories, some I would keep though, like butcher of Anderson station and the churn, otherwise I don't remember much of the others and the ones I can were drags. No crying because I'm dead inside. The one that made me happy depends on definition of happy, book 4 had the most humor, but book 5 was the one that had the povs from the roci crew, much like what happened in the season so not really spoiling anything since you've seen the show. My cinnamon roll character is honestly Holden, from the books, I don't know, just feel he tries to do the right thing, may be the dumbest thing, but he does try and I appreciate that characteristic, I just want to protect him. He needs to be weaned off coffee though, it's an unhealthy addiction (and gross, coffee is gross). I still have 7, 8, 9, and the remaining short stories to go, but I'd still recommend the series. They don't call it game of thrones in space for a reason, it's very character driven. There are differences to the series, especially book 1 since the only povs are Holden and Miller, so none of the other stuff will be in there, opening is on Julie like the show, and the epilogue is from Fred's perspective if I remember correctly. That's another thing the books do is the prologue and epilogue are usually different character povs from the main story, with the exception of book 6 which is all over the place, but understandable because a lot is happening, and you need to be in many places, but it gets confusing, like who is this random person showing up, and since the chapters are around 10 pages each, it's not much time with them, you may see them again, you may not.
@@jenn9027 coffee is gross. I did give Expanse a shot. Got to book 3 I think and it just wasn’t sucking me in. Maybe I need to try again.
@Talking_Story I honestly don't know if it's better to have read the books before the show or after the show, I like having the show because then I do have some visuals in case something is written beyond my comprehension, action scenes I like having that for as well for context. The books are better for most things, unless the visual entertainment does something different, then it pisses people off if something doesn't happen exactly like the books. Which I think what the readers of fire and blood are figuring out lol. But I also like getting into my favorite characters on screen's heads in the books. What I like about the book over the show is the beginning relationship between the characters, Naomi wasn't such a -itch and Amos wasn't really antagonistic with Holden at the start either. As much as I grew to love Naomi (season 5), I liked her much earlier in the books, and the actress was amazing, but she definitely should've been taller, it stands out in the books their height difference. Book 3 was a bit of a struggle for me because of the Bull and Melba povs, took me a while to get through that one honestly, I think that's when I took my break. And I found in the first 3 books, it took a bit for me to get really into them, the last 3rd/4th of the book would fly by, but the first part was slow. Book 4 I expected to be the worst one, and I think I liked it more than most, except for one aspect of the story, which was pretty cringe, once it sorted itself out though, it was really good, and very different from the others. It's like first 3 are trilogies, then 4 is a standalone, 5 and 6 are dualogies. Think the last 3 make up a trilogy too. You can't read them out of order obviously because the story is progressive, but that's how they flow together. I have to make it through the rest, now I don't have anything else for reference.
@@jenn9027 I did stick in for all the season of the show. Maybe I just felt the weight of a long series that had not grabbed me yet. I probably sucked out too soon.
@Talking_Story it's actually weird that it didn't grab you, seems like it would be right up your alley, especially if you loved the show. But it did take me several tries, I'm definitely a mood reader, if I'm not feeling it, it just means I'm in the mood for something else. You should see how often I switch between audiobooks and TV shows. Took me like 5 times to get through season 1 of Dexter, great show, up to about season 5 or something, then downhill from there. And the last season was cringe and pissed me off lol. Timing timing timing, it's everything.
@@jenn9027 I think it was absolutely me not being in the right head space.
is it possible to get in touch with you and make a helping deal when it comes to wind and truth purchase? I’m from Europe and I can’t (having a baby) travel to dragonsteel and it’s super hard to even have a signed and stamped version of the wind and truth by ordering it online. My question is: when you are there is it possible to buy an extra copy and have it shipped? I pay all the fees of course (shipping etc)
@@focusrelax8838 to my understanding the signed copy comes with the premium ticket I have purchased. There will not be more to pick up while I am there. Sorry.
Need to know what is the outro music - cant find it anywhere/shazam it!!!
It's called Walking in the Woods by Iris Tan Music Production. I've had a hard time finding it anywhere to stream but maybe you'll have better luck.
@@Talking_Story omg thank you I shall look for it! :)
Does him not looking at the camera frustrate anyone else?
@@lewisb.3242 when Jakob moves out in a week or so I will look right into that lens and right into the depths of your soul. So get ready😂