What I'm Reading
The Martyr by Anthony Ryan
I picked up The Pariah on a whim, dear reader, and as such hold this series as one of those special little nuggets of self-discovered bliss that hold a special place on my bookshelf. The action was great, the main character the pluckish rogue/antihero that tickles me just right, and Ryan earned my respect from not shying away from utilizing an expertly placed expletive should the need arise. Having been pleasantly surprised with the first I’m pleased to say things are proceeding equally as nicely on the sequel. Relationships solidify as do rivalries, the stakes are raised, and questions are answered while entirely new ones are posed. Really, what else can a good little fiction junkie like me ask for? Well, another Book that’s what, but I digress. Got high hopes for this one and hope it sticks the landing.
Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan
Once upon a time I had a certain interaction with a friend of mine that called to his mind a certain scene from the movie The Town which led to our watching it and laughing hysterically at the comparison. Being Prince of Thieves is the book upon which the film is based, I feel somehow honor bound to finally read it. Kinda sped read through the first chapter and the writing seems nice and crisp enough, though the print is damn small (though I’ll try to not hold that against it when it comes to punching through)
Hm…Well, maybe?…Nah. But then again….
This is a rather odd situation, dear reader, and one I’m probably making more difficult than it need to be. Being the third book on deck shouldn’t be that big of a deal but whoah, buddy, am I struggling with either awarding this spot to The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings and Only the Dead by Jack Carr. On the one hand those of you who’ve been around for a while may know my proclivity toward all things Eddings and I’ll admit a certain tug at the heartstrings at seeing this authorly couple come together in one of their last outings before shuffling off this mortal coil. I had forgotten this book existed and it’s kind of like seeing your first dog back from the dead just long enough for it to give you a single lick on the nose- bittersweet yet utterly cherished. On the other hand, I can clearly and succinctly pronounce the name of the protagonist in Only the Dead, and I’m an unmitigated slut for the James Reece novels anyway. This edition is even signed (and shot) by the author and I didn’t finish the last one all that long ago and really want to know what happens next soooo……decisions, decisions. Now, is it like the book I don’t read third is going to disappear if I don’t pick it? No. Is this really therefore that big of a deal? Look we’re all just trying to have fun here but yes (and how dare you, hypothetical straw man. Shame on you)
So that’s what I’ve got “in the hole” at the moment, dear reader. What do I think of my current selection? Got an opinion on which book I should pick for number three? Do you have any suggestions of a favorite book or series for me to read next? Sound of below or shoot me a DM. Always special to pick up a recommendation and I do so hate the possibility of an empty TBR pile.