An End - November (Almost) Reading Update

t's been an interesting week. A bit of a 'weather bomb' hit the West Coast this week. Lots of trees down, heavy rain, some areas with power outages. We got high winds and lots of rain here in the Valley but at least in our little area the power stayed on. Clyde wasn't very impressed. His walks basically consisted of us opening the back door and sticking him out on the deck so he could wander around the back yard for a few minutes. It was ok yesterday but it's raining quite heavily at the moment. Yuchh. Mount Washington must be happy though. They received 100 centimeters of snow over the past few day. If you click on this link, you can check out their webcams to see how it looks up there.

Moving on from the Canadian tradition of starting off any conversation by talking about the weather, let's move on to my normal reading / new book update.

Just Finished

(I've finished 3 graphic novels since my last update. I'm making steady progress on some of the books I've also working on. More on those next update)

1. Lore Olympus, Vol. Six by Rachel Smythe (2024). I really enjoy this series.

"Lore Olympus: Volume Six, the latest instalment of the Olympus graphic novel series by Rachel  Smythe just keeps moving this series along at a wonderful pace. It took me a little bit to get back into the flow but once I did, I enjoyed so much. So much!

Persephone, goddess of Spring, has caused some destruction in the mortal realm after some tricks by Minthe really, really upset her. Zeus has decided to make an example of her and puts out an arrest warrant for Persephone and also for her mother, Demeter. Hades finds Persephone, basically comatose and brings her to the Underworld realm to heal and protect her. His capable assistant and my favorite character, Hecate, provides assistance. 

While Persephone recovers and the ongoing relationship between her and Hades continues to grow, we get to see more about the other gods. Hera, frustrated and angry at her hubby, Zeus, tries to get to the bottom of what happened between Persephone and Apollo (If you haven't read the earlier books, I won't ruin that for you). She goes to meet Hades and Persephone and promises Persephone that she will help her in any way she can. 

Minthe, still jealous and angry at being set aside by Hades for Persephone, still wants answers from Hades! Will she go to the Underworld to demand these answers? The story jumps into the past to when Minthe first meets Hades. There are other trips into the past, as Persephone tells about her childhood to Hades and he also talks about how Kronos swallowed him and his brother Poseidon and how Zeus saved him. Fascinating stuff.

It's a rich, entertaining, engrossing story that just keeps getting better. The modernization of the gods is really handled so well. I particularly loved the Zoom call between Zeus and the other Olympians as he tries to demand that Persephone be given up for trial. It's so neat. The story, the drawing, the artwork, the coloring is all handled so very well. Once you get going, it's difficult to put down. You will want to read until the end. I just got my copy of Volume 7... How long will I resist it? (4.5 stars)"

2. The Sandman, Vol. 9 - The Kindly Ones by Neil Gaiman (1995). I've hesitated to continue reading this series. (Comment in my review).

"I have to say that the Sandman graphic novel series by Neil Gaiman has been a favorite of mine since I started reading it. 

(Ed note. I have hesitated to continue with and finish this series after reading about sexual assault allegations against Gaiman. I have decided to finish the series but will look at any other books I have by him and whether I will continue. You can decide for yourself whether you want to read the review or read any of his work. I'll just say that he hasn't been taken to court as far as I can tell, but it still does cloud my enjoyment of the story.)

Anyway, I still gave The Sandman, Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones a 4-star rating because it's a darn good tale. In this story we get to meet pretty well all of the people who have peopled the earlier stories. My favorites are Rose, who goes to England to see what her dead grandmother has left for her in the old estate; Matthew, the raven, Sandman's regular companion; & Sandman's sister, Death. She doesn't make a big enough appearance but she's still great.

Lots going on in this story. Sandman / Dreams is trying to settle his affair throughout this story. He's created a new Corinthian (a murderous killer in a previous book), but a better man this time. He wants Corinthian and Matthew to find Daniel. Daniel is the son of Lyta (aka Hippolyta) who was kidnapped from his bed. Lyta thinks Sandman has kidnapped him and she is searching for the Furies (although they prefer to be called The kindly Ones) This trip takes her to various realms but when she finds them, she demands revenge against Dreams. 

What else??? Nuala, a fairy princess who had been given to Dreams many stories ago and works as his maid (sort of) is given back to the land of faerie as the request of the faerie queen. Nuala doesn't really want to go and she will try to return when she finds that Dreams is in danger... 

OK??? Dreams other sister Delirium is searching for her doggie (she is a strange one) and she also realizes Dreams is in danger and wants him to accompany her... which he doesn't.. Oh Death, or Satan or whatever, who had left Hell to live as a night club pianist, is having second thoughts about it. He shows up periodically.

The Kindly Ones will eventually attack Dream's lands and begin killing off his associates. Various other evil critters; Loki, Pan, etc will make appearances and what are they doing?

There is so much going on but it's all so fascinating so well drawn and so interesting. Is it resolved in the end? Some things are but there is still Vol 10, The Wake, sitting on my shelf to finish the series, which I will do. (4.0 stars)"

3. Monstress, Volume 4 - The Chosen by Rachel Liu & Sana Takeda (2019). There are so many excellent graphic novels to read. I've enjoyed focusing on them in November.

"I readily admit that lots of the time I don't know what is going on in the Monstress graphic novel series by Marjorie M. Liu. It's a wild ride. So many interesting characters, the story moves between them in the blink of an eye. In between chapters, the noted cat professor, Tam Tam, tries to educate us about the Known World and its history and people so that's definitely helped. Monstress, Volume 4: The Chosen continues this excellent, exciting story.

The main characters, Maika Half-Wolf, Kippa the little Fox and Ren the wizard cat are all separated, each trying to survive the catastrophe of the 3rd book. Maika is now with her father (she doesn't want to be) and the god that is inside her, Zinn, isn't responding. Kippa is a prisoner, sort of, of a group trying to bring her to the Doctor (another name for Maika's daddy) but she escapes ... sort of.. LOL. As Kippa is growing up she seems to be developing her own powers. What are they? Darned  if I know... well, not exactly. Ren betrayed Maika and Kippa in the last book but is now trying to redeem himself. 

And of course, there are all of the other story lines. Maika's daddy has gathered the great human war lords together and plans to war against the Arcanics, the Dawn & Dusk courts. The Arcanics have joined together with the marriage of the two Queens (or maybe princesses). But even there, you find friction. So that is sort of the gist of this story. Maika trying to deal with her father and still seeing 'visions' of her mother, Moriko Half-Wolf, Kippa trying to get to Maika and what about Ren? Well, that's the wild ride you'll have to follow with this story.

Beautifully drawn and colored Sana Takeda and wonderfully told by Marjorie Liu, it's a fascinating fantasy story. Every book (this one covers issues 19 - 24) draws you in and keeps you turning pages to see what will happen next. I loved it and can't wait for Vol. 5 - Warchild to see where their journey will take them next. (4.0 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Tank Girl Three by Jamie Hewlett & Alan C. Martin (2009). (My fun series.)

"Concerned parents everywhere - rejoice! Tank Girl's back and she's madder than ever! Join our bullet-spraying, bloke-spaying heroine as she yet again wreaks havoc on an unsuspecting world, with a titanic battle against evil bounty hunters, a fascinating odyssey through the culinary world, the astonishing, all-true story of popular beat combo The Smiths, the lovely Jet Girl, the unlovely Booga, and more dead nasties than you can shake some sick at! Complete with unseen material from artist Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz) and writer Alan Martin, it's another action-packed, outrageous adventure! Warning: Adults only!"

2. George Orwell's 1984, The Graphic Novel by Fido Nesti (2021). It's been years since I read the novel. It seemed appropriate to read it again.

"In 1984, London is a grim city in the totalitarian state of Oceania where Big Brother is always watching you and the Thought Police can practically read your mind. Winston Smith is a man in grave danger for the simple reason that his memory still functions. Drawn into a forbidden love affair, Winston finds the courage to join a secret revolutionary organization called the Brotherhood, dedicated to the destruction of the Party. Together with his beloved Julia, he hazards his life in a deadly match against the powers that be.

With evocative, immersive art from Fido Nesti, this vision of George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece provides a new perspective for longtime fans but is also an accessible entry point for young readers and adults who have yet to discover the iconic story that is still so relevant today."

New Books

(3 new graphic novels and one book)

1. Lore Olympus, Vol. 7 by Rachel Smythe (2024). So I finish Vol 6 and then next day I wander through my local book store and there was the next volume..

"Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love—the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone gets a romantic modern update in the gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus, including a brand new bonus short story!

An ingenious take on the Greek Pantheon, Lore Olympus is a modern update on the story of Hades and Persephone. Follow the propulsive love story of two Greek gods, told with lavish artwork and contemporary sensibilities.

This full-color edition of Smythe’s original Eisner Award-winning webcomic Lore Olympus features exclusive behind-the-scenes content and brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.

This volume collects episodes 153-179 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus."

2. Best Canadian Stories 2025 by Steven W. Beattie (2024). I have enjoyed these collections before.

"Selected by editor Steven W. Beattie, the 2025 edition of Best Canadian Stories showcases the best Canadian fiction writing published in 2023.

Chris Bailey • Christine Birbalsingh • Cody Caetano • Kate Cayley • Lynn Coady • Caitlin Galway • Marcel Goh • Beth Goobie • Mark Anthony Jarman • Saad Omar Khan • Chelsea Peters • Kawai Shen • Liz Stewart • Glenna Turnbull • Catriona Wright • Clea Young"

3. Woman, Life, Freedom by Marjane Satrapi (2023). This looked like something I should read.

"An urgent, groundbreaking and visually stunning new collection of graphic story-telling about the present Iranian revolution, using comics to show what would be censored in photos and film in Iran.

Marjane Satrapi, author of Persepolis , returns to graphic art with this collaboration of over 20 activists, artists, journalists, and academics working together to depict the historic uprising, in solidarity with the Iranian people and in defense of feminism.

On September 13th 2022, a young Iranian student, Mahsa Amini, was arrested by the religious police in Tehran. Her only crime was that she wasn’t properly wearing the headscarf required for women by the Islamic Republic. At the police station, she was beaten so badly she had to be taken to the hospital, where she fell into a deep coma. She died three days later.

A wave of protests soon spread through the whole country, and crowds adopted the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”—words that have been chanted around the world during solidarity rallies.

In order to tell the story of this major revolution happening in her homeland, Marjane Satrapi has gathered together an array of journalists, activists, academics, artists, and writers from around the world to create this powerful collection of full-color, graphic-novel-style essays and perspectives that bear

Woman, Life, Freedom demonstrates that this is not an unexpected movement, but a major uprising in a long history of women who have wanted to affirm their rights. It will continue."

4. Something is Killing the Children, Vol 1 by James Tynion IV (2020).

"When children begin to go missing in the town of Archer’s Peak, all hope seems lost until a mysterious woman arrives to reveal that terrifying creatures are behind the chaos - and that she alone will destroy them, no matter the cost.

IT’S THE MONSTERS WHO SHOULD BE AFRAID.

When the children of Archer's Peak—a sleepy town in the heart of America—begin to go missing, everything seems hopeless. Most children never return, but the ones that do have terrible stories—impossible details of terrifying creatures that live in the shadows. Their only hope of finding and eliminating the threat is the arrival of a mysterious stranger, one who believes the children and claims to be the only one who sees what they can see.

Her name is Erica Slaughter. She kills monsters. That is all she does, and she bears the cost because it must be done."

Women Authors Whose Work I've Enjoyed - Jenny White

Jenny White

I kind of discovered Jenny White by accident a few years back. There wasn't a lot of information on her except that she wrote a trilogy featuring Turkish police officer Kamil Pasha. The first book was so good and it took me awhile to find the others. As far as I can tell, they were the only books she has written. Do more!

1. The Sultan's Seal (#1 / 2006).

"I found some of the story arcs in this book confusing at times as I wasn't sure if we were in the present in the past. But I still enjoyed the story very much. I liked the era the story was told in, the late 1800's in Ottoman Turkey, the characters, especially Kamil Pasha, who is called upon to solve the murder of an English woman, and Sybil, the English ambassador's daughter, who helps Kamil with his investigation. I also liked the potential relationship, the physical tension that seemed to be developing between the two. There is so much going on, the intricacies of the Ottoman culture, the Young Turks trying to instill a European style parliament, and the mystery itself and its possible tie-in with a previous murder. Very enjoyable first book by Jenny White. I'll be looking for the other books in the series. (4 stars)"

2. The Abyssinian Proof (#2 / 2007).

"It's been a few years since I read the first book in Jenny White's Kamil Pasha historical mystery series; that being The Sultan's Seal. My standard excuse, too many books, not enough time... Also, I have to say, I've only seen her books online, not at my locals, anyway. 

OK, enough of that... 

The Abyssinian Proof, the 2nd book, was also an excellent story. It's set in an exotic locale, Istanbul during the dying days of the mighty Ottoman Empire. The story starts in 1453 to introduce the holy item, called The Proof of God, that becomes the prime mover of the current story. 

Kamil Pasha is a police inspector in Istanbul and he is tasked to solve a spate of thefts of historical, religious artifacts. His superior leads him to believe that his failure to do this might result in a negative impact to Pasha's career. Thrown into the mix of this story are a number of wonderful characters; the homeless boy, Avi, who becomes a useful assistant to Pasha, Elif, the troubled artist, who escaped Macedonia after the murders of her husband and son, and Omar, a police captain who provides humour and a crusty pragmatism as he assists Pasha in his investigations. There are other interesting developments that also make the story rich and fascinating (the community who live in the Sunken Village, and who the stolen Proof is so important to their religious life).

The story is almost to rich to describe in a few words. Istanbul is such an interesting city, peopled with a diverse culture, and with such a great history. The characters are all well-written and sympathetic and the mystery, itself, is unique and interesting. The story moves along at a nice pace and holds your interest. I developed strong feelings for many of the characters and felt happy and sad and angry as they did. It's an excellent story with neat religious aspects to it; such as those explored in other books, like Dan Brown's recent series. You can enjoy this without reading the first book, but you should work your way through the stories as each are excellent. Unfortunately only one more book in this series (so far anyway) and I'll have to get a copy of The Winter Thief. (4 stars)"

3. The Winter Thief (#3 / 2010).

"The Winter Thief by Jenny White is the third and so-far, the last book in her historical mystery series featuring Turkish Special Prosecutor Kamil Pasha. I do hope that at some point, she decides to continue the series but this third book was published in 2010 so it's not looking good.

This book is a rich. exciting mystery and historical adventure. It starts off with the robbery of the Imperial Ottoman Bank of a haul of gold and gems by purported Armenian nationalists. At the end of the robbery, there is an explosion that also destroys a near-by café, causing a major fire. It seems that Kamil's brother-in-law, Huseyin, may have been hurt severely by the fire as he meets in the café with another woman.

The investigation conducted by Kamil, at the direction of the Minister of Justice, Nisam Pasha, will lead him into conflict with the head of the secret police, Vahid, a terrifying, evil man. This conflict will endanger, Kamil, his sister, Feride and his friend, Elif, and all of his close friends and acquaintances.. Besides himself of course.

The investigation will ultimately lead him to a conflict in Eastern Turkey, where a group of idealistic Socialists are trying to form a Utopian community (with the help of arms bought in America and also the stolen gold.. but let's not think on that too much). That is the gist of this fantastic story.

The story, itself, will move from character to character; Kamil, Vahid, Armenian woman Vera, held and tortured by the secret police, Feride (searching for her missing husband), Omar, Kamil's friend and police chief, and so many others. There is intrigue, danger, love and so much more. It's a fascinating story, offering a historic perspective of the time and a great picture of such an exotic country as it struggles with the past and the future. There is a constant menace from the secret police, especially Vahid, who will give you the creeps. Great story and excellent, satisfying conclusion, leaving a teaser of future stories. I definitely hope there will be more. (5 stars)"

If you wish to read more about Jenny White there is some information at this link.

Mid-November Reading Update

Clyde when he was a bit younger

It's been a gloomy, rainy week in the Valley. But, we persevere, eh? Jo is asleep and Clyde is in his doggie bed also asleep. He had one of those nights; got up at 1a.m. to go out, then again at 4, then decided it was time to go downstairs at 7... So we're now in the den. He's asleep and I'm at the computer updating books. LOL.

Anyway, since my last reading update, I've completed 5 books. I'll update those, list any books I've started since my last update and also any new books.

Just Finished

1. The Harlem Hellfighters by Max Brooks (2014). This satisfied both my November focus on graphic novels but also to honor those who've honorably served their countries.

"I've enjoyed American author, Max Brooks' work the past few years. He has demonstrated a unique take on the horror genre, what with World War Z, Devolution and the The Extinction Parade graphics. I just finished The Harlem Hellfighters, a historical graphic novel, with a fictionalized account of the 369th Infantry Regiment, an African American unit which fought in WWI. Factually, they spent more time in combat than any other American unit, never losing a foot of ground to the enemy or suffering any men captured by the enemy.

The Germans nicknamed them the Harlem Hellfighters. What makes their story even more interesting is that they weren't allowed to fight with white American units but were assigned to the French army, who accepted them readily. This was during a time in American when blacks were treated horribly within the US and their soldiers also were attacked and beaten. The African American soldiers were forbidden from responding in kind. 

The story is powerful and also graphically drawn. It's a disturbing story and at the same time a heroic story. Max Brooks treats the soldiers with respect but holds nothing back in his portrayal of their treatment within America. It's a story that should be read and is an important part of American history. More info is available at this link.

Please check the story out especially in this month of November where we remember our war dead, those who fought to end tyranny and fascism. (4.0 stars)"

2. Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley (2023).

"Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley was a lovely graphic novel. American teen Paul goes to Taiwan to spend two weeks with his older brother Theo, who lives there, teaching English. As it begins, the visit isn't going well at all. Paul has planted himself on the couch and basically refuses to explore anywhere with his older brother. He won't even try the local food. Theo loves the city and his girl friend. Paul spends his time on his phone with online friends and eating McDonald's food.

When Theo goes away for a couple of days, Paul is told by one of his 'friends' that a local store is selling the latest Nintendo Swoop. Paul braves the city and using google maps, finds the store. The Swoop, it turns out is a little child's game. Paul drops his phone and breaks it and finds himself lost in this strange new city. Thanks to a lovely local girl, Peijing, he begins both an exploration of the city and culture but also makes a new friend.

It's a wonderful growing up story. It's beautifully drawn and Crilley presents the story, which takes place over one day, so easily and sympathetically. The characters are all likable, even Paul, as he begins to grow up and discover himself. It was just such a positive story that it draws you in completely. And it definitely makes you want to visit Taiwan. Most enjoyable. (4.0 stars)"

3. Black Helicopters by Caitlin R. Kiernan (Tinfoil Dossier #2 / 2015).

"Black Helicopters is the second book in the weirdly wonderful Tinfoil Dossier trilogy by Caitlín R. Kiernan. How to describe it? I'm not sure I can.

Let's see. First there are the albino twins, la Bête and Ivoire. la Bête is by Deer Island with 66 and soldiers, X agents, CIA / FBI, etc as they battle Lovecraftian creatures who have taken over the island and rise from the sea to battle these troops. Bête is hooked on drugs... Then we move to Ireland where Ivoire and is being 'protected?' by Twimsby while assassins from the various agencies try to get rid of her. There is a sort of time travel as the Egyptian, Ptolema, moves from time to time (I think) In the future it seems that Earth is kind of a Water world..... I think.. LOL.

So now that you know what's going on. Even though I'm constantly confused, I'm also constantly amazed. It's like a Philip K. Dick story when he was writing his most drugged out stories... It's dark, poetic at times, philosophical, horrific, and great Sci Fi. I'm looking forward to #3, The Tindalos Asset to see how it all wraps up. Will the Signalman from Book 1 make more of an appearance? (3.5 stars)"

4. The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown (2023).

"The Scourge Between Stars is the first book by Ness Brown and it's a pretty darn good start. It's kind of a take on the Alien movies. The Calypso is a HUGE spaceship on its way from Proxima back to Earth. It's part of a fleet of ships as I gathered it but the story focuses on acting Captain Jacklyn Albright and her crew. They have left Proxima because the attempt to settle has been unsuccessful so the colony has decided to return to Earth.

Jack's father and mother were the ship's leaders but her mother killed herself and her father has basically locked himself into his quarters, leaving Jack in charge. It's an interesting situation and one thing I wish was that a bit more time had been spent on that aspect. But, ultimately, it's not the point of the story. This is a horror story. But just to set the stage a bit, the ship is divided into sectors and guilds. The passengers are getting upset and a portion want to go back to Proxima. Jack and her team are trying to sort this out when another situation arises. Their comms are acting up. The food supplies seem to be disappearing faster than they should have. A communication droid, Watson, is acting strangely. 

As Jack goes from sector to sector she hears banging on the walls. Strange messages start to arrive from other ships in the fleet, warning them not to open the doors! What doors, she wonders???

Than they start to find bodies, torn to pieces and the adventure starts to ramp up. Jack and her security team begin to hunt down the intruders. What the heck are they?.... It's a very short novella so I'll stop there. Mwuu haa! 

All in all, Ness Brown has started off her writing career with a bang. Tense situation, lost in space with something trying to kill her crew. Interesting characters, competent, skilled. But is that enough? I harken back to Aliens, it's an excellent take on that story... Check it out. (3.5 stars)"

5. Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang (2013).

"My first exposure to the graphic novels of Gene Luen Yang was American Born Chinese which I enjoyed very much. As I usually do when I find an interesting author, I checked out his other books and Boxers & Saints sounded very interesting. And, lo and behold, it was.

Boxers and Saints is two intertwined stories told in separate graphic novels. It's historical fiction based on the Boxer rebellion which took place in China in 1900. I remember a movie I saw when I was just a kid, 55 Days in Peking, which dealt with the siege of Peking by the Boxers. It was very exciting as a young boy. Anyway, this story is told by two Chinese, Little Bau, a young man who leads a group of Boxers to try and take back his country from foreign intruders and also Four-Girl, a young girl trying to find out who she is, eventually becoming a Christian.

Both of these young people live in the same village but don't really interact. Bao sees Four-Girl (so named because she was the 4th daughter and grandfather decided not to give her a proper name. When she becomes a baptized Christian, she is named Vibiana) one day at the market. Four-Girl is trying to be a demon (she's always in trouble) and is freezing her face, like an opera mask, so that's how Bao remembers her.

Bao, after a series of events leave his father injured and damaged from an attack by Christian Chinese, wants to learn how to fight back and learns how to use a sword. Gradually he gathers a group of other young men, including his brothers and they begin to wander the countryside saving villages from Christians who are exacting tribute. They begin a journey to Peking where they hope to throw out the foreigners who live in their own enclave within Peking.

In the other book, we follow Four-Girl who wants to discover herself. She begins taking lessons from a nearby acupuncturist who is also a Christian. Even though she finds his teaching quite boring, she does like the cookies she gets from his wife. When she is beaten by her grandfather, she decides to follow a Christian priest to learn more about how to become a Christian and she moves to another walled town that is run as an orphanage. She will later meet Bao again when his followers attack the settlement on their way to Peking.

There is so much more to this story. Each main character is guided by mystic spirits; Bao by the ghost of one of the first Emperors of China. In fact when his followers begin an attack they go through a mystical process that changes them into various Chinese gods who help them attack. Four-Girl sees visions of Joan of Arc and tries to follow her. Neither of these mystical spirits is perfect with their guidance and it's questionable how much they actually help the two.

It's a very strong story. Treatment of women and girls is harsh. It's an all around harsh life for the Chinese peasants, in fact. The foreigners abuse them. Neither Bao nor Four-Girl are perfect either. The story covers their flaws very well and each of their quests to discover who they are and their purpose one of the main aspects of the two stories. It's gritty, violent and very strong. But it's a very interesting story which gives you some insight, maybe, into the Boxer Rebellion itself an also of a portion of Chinese history from that period. It's powerfully written, beautifully drawn and colored and just a real page turner. (4.0 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Sandman, Vol. 9 - The Kindly Ones by Neil Gaiman (1995).

"THE SANDMAN is the most acclaimed and award-winning comics series of the 1990s for good reason; a smart and deeply brooding epic, elegantly penned by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by a rotating cast of comics' most sought-after artists, it is a rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama, and legend are seamlessly interwoven. The saga of THE SANDMAN encompasses a series of tales unique in graphic literature and is a story you will never forget.

They have had many names: The Erinyes. The Eumenides. The Dirae. The Furies. Agents of vengeance, implacable and unstoppable, they do not rest until the crime they seek to punish is washed clean with blood. It is to them, THE KINDLY ONES, that Lyta Hall turns when her baby Daniel is taken from her, and it is Dream of the Endless who becomes their target. But behind a mother's grief and unyielding rage, there are darker forces at work, and what they set in motion will eventually demand a sacrifice greater than any the Dreaming has yet known."

2. Lore Olympus, Vol. 6 by Rachel Smythe (2024).

"Witness what the gods do after dark in the sixth volume of a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content from creator Rachel Smythe.

“We have to make an example of her.”

Chaos reigns in Olympus as Zeus publicly declares Persephone a traitor and issues a warrant for her arrest. But Hades defies his brother’s decree, sheltering Persephone in the Underworld—and as the pair spend more time together, they are able to speak openly about their pasts. The goddess of spring admits the truth behind the bloody secret that led to Zeus’s ire, and the king of the Underworld shares the trauma he suffered at the hands of his power-hungry father, Kronos.

But as Hades and Persephone’s relationship grows stronger, others begin to fall apart. The bond between Hades and Zeus is stretched to its limit, threatening to fracture the peace between their realms. Persephone and Artemis’s friendship hangs by a thread as the goddess of the hunt slowly uncovers the vile truth about her twin, Apollo. A line is being drawn in the heavens, putting everyone’s loyalties into question as all the gods are forced to choose sides.

And as the cracks in the foundation of the pantheon spread, something darker and more earth-shattering might soon be released. . . ."

New Books

1. The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville (2024). Jo bought this for me for my 69th birthday. If I don't read it before year's end, it will be one of the first books I start in 2025.

"She said, We needed a tool. So I asked the gods.

There have always been whispers. Legends. The warrior who cannot be killed. Who’s seen a thousand civilizations rise and fall. He has had many names: Unute, Child of Lightning, Death himself. These days, he’s known simply as “B.”

And he wants to be able to die.

In the present day, a U.S. black-ops group has promised him they can help with that. And all he needs to do is help them in return. But when an all-too-mortal soldier comes back to life, the impossible event ultimately points toward a force even more mysterious than B himself. One at least as strong. And one with a plan all its own.

A mind-blowing epic of ancient powers, modern war, and an outcast who cannot die. Combines Miéville’s singular style and creativity with Reeves’s haunting and soul-stirring narrative, unlike anything these two genre-bending pioneers have created before, inspired by the world of the BRZRKR comic books."

2. Ruined City by Nevil Shute (1938). One of my reading bucket lists is to read all of Shute's books. I've read 14 thus far. I have six more on my book shelves.

"Nevil Shute has an uncanny way of combining the tenderness of romance with the drama and excitement of high adventure. Ruined City displays this narrative blending to perfection. It is the gripping story of a successful, respected banker, who risks his fortune and reputation to bring health and employment to a dead city whose inhabitants are the starving victims of depression. It is the story of a great man and a tremendous gamble - of faith, dedication, and ultimate reward..."

3. Pastoral by Nevil Shute (1944).

"From an Oxfordshire air base, Wellington bombers fly missions into Germany. Only a handful of crews have survived the war long enough to become experienced. Peter Marshall is captain of one crew. When he falls in love with Gervase, her rebuff nearly costs him his concentration and life. Their relationship blossoms when he has only five more missions to go. As they tick by, tension mounts."

Women Authors Whose Work I've Been Enjoying - Martha Wells

Martha Wells

American author Martha Wells was born in 1964 in Fort Worth, Texas. Since 1993 she's published 20+ novels in the Fantasy / Sci-Fi genres. I read the first Murderbot book in 2020 and have since enjoyed the 2nd one in the series. (The series was recommended to me by a friend in one of my Goodreads' book groups) I have another 4 awaiting my attention and I'd say this is one of my bucket list series, one I want to finish before I die. I'll provide my review of the 2nd book and also the synopses of the next two or three to give you a feel for the stories.

1. Artificial Condition (#2 / 2018)

"It's been a couple of years since I read and enjoyed the first Murderbot book by Martha Wells. I finally dusted off book 2 of the Murderbot Diaries, Artificial Condition and sat down to it earlier this month. Such an enjoyable read.

Open your mind to a future of Murderbots, officially SecUnits, Sexbots, augmented humans, living ship's computers (ART), etc and enjoy the world that Martha Wells has created for you to experience. The Murderbot from the first book is now searching for clues to what actually happened at the massacre where humans under his protection were massacred. 

Somehow either his memories were wiped by someone or he wiped them 'himself'. He was freed from his obligations as a SecUnit when his boss, Dr. Mensah bought him. The Bot is now traveling on a cargo ship, captained by ART who is interested in him and decides to help the Bot. They travel to the RaviHyral mine where the massacre took place (although all evidence and news of it seem to have disappeared.) ART helps make the Murderbot more human, with various surgeries.

Murderbot hires himself out to a group of scientists who were fired by Tlacey Excavations as a security expert. They want their research data back and he agrees to help. He also wants to discover what happened at the mine, so this, he hopes, will allow him access to the site. His new job turns out to be more dangerous that he thought as Tlacey has decided to get rid of the 3 scientists. So with ART's help, Murderbot will try to assist the scientists and also discover what really happened at the mine.

It's a neat, entertaining, excellent story. What a world! Do I understand everything that's going on? Nope. Does it matter? Nope. ART is a great character to go along with Murderbot. The scientists are interesting and take hold of Murderbot's heart (Does he have one?) The story is quick, with lots of action and computer stuff, to keep your attention and interest. Great story and I look forward to joining Martha Wells's world again in the near future with Book 3, Rogue Protocol (4.0 stars)"

2. Rogue Protocol (#3 / 2018).

"Sci-Fi's favorite antisocial A.I. is again on a mission. The case against the too-big-to-fail Gray Cris Corporation is floundering, and more importantly, authorities are beginning to ask more questions about where Dr. Mensah’s SecUnit is.

And Murderbot would rather those questions went away. For good."

3. Exit Strategy (#4 / 2018).

"Murderbot wasn't programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right?

Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the Gray Cris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah — its former owner (protector? friend?) — submit evidence that could prevent Gray Cris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit.

But who's going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue?

And what will become of it when it's caught?"

4. Network Effect (#5 / 2020).

"You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.

—

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action."

So there you go. Sound interesting? Martha Wells has written other series as well plus standalone novels. I will probably check them out too but not until I finish Murderbots! Here is a link to all of Martha's work.

Enjoy your weekend!

My First November 2025 Reading Update

Happy 100th Birthday, Dad!

It's one week into November and my Dad's 100th birthday. Jo and I are relaxing watching old episodes of Suits and I think I'll provide a reading update before I start supper.

Just Finished

(I've completed 4 books and gave up on one. I won't highlight that one.)

1. Ghost Roast by Shawnelle & Shawnee Gibbs (Young Adult Graphic).

"Ghost Roast by Shawnelle Gibbs is a lovely ghost story set in Louisiana. It follows Chelsea, a young teen, trying to adjust to a new school, new friends and also to her parent's divorce. Her mother works for the local historical society and works other jobs to help pay for Chelsea's schooling. Chelsea's father is a ghost hunter, a paranormal removal expert, whose business is struggling.

Chelsea gets in trouble on the last day of school as she follows her friends into a cemetery where they also drink and then get arrested by the police. Her parents ground Chelsea and she has to spend her summer working with her father. The story ramps up as her father gets a job trying to remove the ghosts from a haunted mansion. Chelsea's dad has all of the necessary technology to hunt spirits but little does he know that Chelsea has inherited the ability to both see and talk with ghosts from her aunt.

The story follows Chelsea as she tries to keep up with her school friends, deal with her parents who love her dearly and also adjust to a burgeoning friendship with one of the ghosts at the mansion, Oliver. Adding a twist to the story is that the original owners of the mansion were also slave owners, a cause of some tension between Oliver and Chelsea. This side story plays a significant role as the story develops and comes to its conclusion.

It was a most enjoyable and thoughtful story. The characters, even the ghosts, are well-developed. The artwork and penciling is beautiful, colorful, detailed. The story is well-paced and very interesting. I found myself drawn in easily and also found it difficult to put down once I got going. I look forward to reading more work by the Gibbs' sisters, Shawnelle and Shawnee. (4.0 stars)"

2. Beyond the Black Enigma by Bart Somers (Sci Fi / Commander Craig #1).

"Beyond the Black Enigma by Bart  Somers is a pulp Sci-Fi space adventure from 1965. It's part of my Sci-Fi challenge, books from my bookshelf with less than 200 pages and the earliest published. This is the 9th book in the challenge. It's been quite a mix, from 2.0 star ratings up to 4.5. Unfortunately this one ended up being 2.0 stars.

Not to say it wasn't entertaining. It was a pure space adventure, would probably have suited the old movie serials you used to get at the beginning of the Saturday matinee? Anyone old enough to remember those? Each week you would get a 15 minute episode with a cliff hanger ending that made you want to see what happened the next week. Anyway I digress.

Commander John Craig of Alert Command is trying to enjoy some well earned time off after battling aliens on a strange planet when he is called back to duty. Two space fleets have disappeared into a sort of black hole, it's called... wait for it... The Black Enigma. Craig is to head into the Enigma on a one man space ship and try to find out what happened. Like James Bond, he is given a a case filled with the newest equipment to help him battle any bad guys. And off he goes.

He makes it through the Enigma, decides to check out a planet that might be inhabitable. He finds the fleet but there are no crews! Deciding to have a rest, he wakes up to discover not only is his ship gone but all of the fleet ships have disappeared too. Wandering through the woods, he finds a city and then later a village in the woods. He meets a tribe of people living in the woods, hiding from invaders from somewhere else. (Here is where we do get an interesting concept. The Toparrs are able to travel in time; from the past (where Craig landed), to the present where the Rhydd live and the future (where the Toparr live).) The Toparr want to destroy the Rhydd and also take their children and women to the future...

Got it? Oh I also have to say that Somers seems to like the letter R when naming his groups of people. It's like he had Siri then and asked Siri to give him alien sounding names.. LOL OK, you're right that was irrelevant. Anyway, Craig and one of the people he meets in the Rhydd village, a lovely lady named Fiona, yup, that's her name, are able to travel into the future to try and save the remaining Rhydd and the crews of the starships and also battle the Toparr. It's all a great adventure with lots of action. When I was a kid back in the 60s I used to read these $.50 pulp Sci-Fi books by the bucket load. Remember those books that were reversible, with a story on each side. I loved those. Some were great, some not so great. This sort of falls in the not so great but just entertainment category. (2.0 stars)"

3. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice (Moon #1 / CanLit).

"I bought Moon of the Crusted Snow by Canadian indigenous author Waubgeshig Rice firstly because the cover attracted my attention. The texture of it and the sparse photo of an SUV half buried in snow made me pick the book up as I wandered around my local book store. And then, reading the synopsis made me decide to give the book a try. 

The story did not disappoint. "With winter looming, a small northern Anishinaabe community goes dark." The community lives in northern Ontario. They wake up to discover that their communication is shut down, no landlines, no tv, no cell phones, no computer link ups. Then their power shuts off. Nobody knows why. The band elders crank up the town's diesel generator to provide some power until the hoped for link to the South opens again.

It doesn't happen. As winter snowfall begins and isolates the community even further, the band must start rationing power and food. No explanation is provided as to what is happening over the rest of the country, or even the world. When two of their younger residents show up from the town the south, Gibson, having traveled on snowmobiles, the situation becomes even more confused. The two boys tell the town that the situation is the same in Gibson, no power, panic, riots.

Then, a white man, Justin Scott, shows up on his own snowmobile, and gradually inculcates himself into the community, helping to split them up into separate groups. The story revolves around Evan Whitesky and his partner Nicole as they try to help the community work together to survive the long winter. The death toll begins to mount, both due to medical issues and also suicides as the situation drags on.

The story is told very matter-of-factly but the lack of knowledge about what is going on elsewhere, the sense of isolation felt within the community and the friction caused by the unwelcome 'visitor' make it a tense, unsettling story. Evan Whitesky is an excellent protagonist, a normal man trying to raise a family but forced into this untenable situation. Rice's ability to weave this plot and to provide a sense and a feel for the Ashinaabe culture makes for a fascinating page-turner of a story. I was drawn in from the very first page and could not wait to see how it was resolved. For a dystopic vision, it's not overly graphic or violent, rather it creates a sense of steady, rising unease and tension. Well-written and an excellent story. Now to read the sequel. (4.0 stars)"

4. The Extinction Parade: War by Max Brooks (Extinction #2 / Horror).

"The Extinction Parade: War by Max Brooks, of World War Z and Devolution fame is the 2nd volume of his Extinction Parade graphic novel series. It appears that he has not continued with it after this volume. That's unfortunate.

Vol 2, like Vol 1, is set in Malaysia and follows two vampire females, Laila and her friend (I can't seem to find her name) as they battle the invading zombie hordes. In the first volume, the vampires realized that if the zombies succeed in shutting down mankind, the vampires will no longer have anything to feed off. So they must 'join' the human race in its battle against the zombies. But of course, they are really working with the humans, just emulating them and feeding off of the humans when they need food.

Laila and friend fight a non-stop battle against the hordes. They seem to be coming from China and all the countries around it so the battle seems to go on forever. They are also working mainly on their own and they come to realize that ingesting zombie 'blood' or being cut by zombies can be fatal for them. They try different methods to prevent being cut but nothing seems to work. Gradually they start meeting other vampires who have their own techniques; stomping rather than punching; using swords and knives; guns, etc. But for all of their strength, Laila realizes that not only do they are relying on scraps that they find in human ruins, but they really don't seem to have the will power to fight continuously. At least that the case of those they meet, who fight for a day or so and then wander off when they run out of bullets or their swords break.. Yada yada.

Finally Laila and a group she is with meet up with the army of the bloodline, led by an old friend, Nguyen. They are encouraged by the scope of his organization, a sealed bunker, weapons galore, etc. But they soon realize that what they are seeing are vampire just playing a game. They don't really have the know how to operate the systems or to repair them.

Laila and friend must try to find another way to defeat the zombies.... 

It's a gruesome, zombie / vampire battle throughout the pages, graphic, bloody (well, whatever zombie fluid is); colored in a dark and foreboding style. It's worth checking out even if it isn't finished. It lets you see more of Max Brooks' imagination and story-telling skill. (3.0 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Chocky by John Wyndham (Sci Fi / 1968).

"Matthew, they thought, was just going through a phase of talking to himself. And, like many parents, they waited for him to get over it, but it started to get worse. Matthew's conversations with himself grew more and more intense—it was like listening to one end of a telephone conversation while someone argued, cajoled and reasoned with another person you couldn't hear.

Then Matthew started doing things he couldn't do before, like counting in binary-code mathematics. So he told them about Chocky—the person who lived in his head."

2. Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang (Graphic / 2013).

"In two volumes, Boxers & Saints tells two parallel stories. The first is of Little Bao, a Chinese peasant boy whose village is abused and plundered by Westerners claiming the role of missionaries. Little Bao, inspired by visions of the Chinese gods, joins a violent uprising against the Western interlopers. Against all odds, their grass-roots rebellion is successful.

 
But in the second volume, Yang lays out the opposite side of the conflict. A girl whose village has no place for her is taken in by Christian missionaries and finds, for the first time, a home with them. As the Boxer Rebellion gains momentum, Vibiana must decide whether to abandon her Christian friends or to commit herself fully to Christianity.

Boxers & Saints is one of the most ambitious graphic novels First Second has ever published. It offers a penetrating insight into not only one of the most controversial episodes of modern Chinese history, but into the very core of our human nature. Gene Luen Yang is rightly called a master of the comics form, and this book will cement that reputation."

3. The Harlem Hellfighters by Max Brooks (Fiction / 2014).

"In 1919, the 369th infantry regiment marched home triumphantly from World War I. They had spent more time in combat than any other American unit, never losing a foot of ground to the enemy, or a man to capture, and winning countless decorations. Though they returned as heroes, this African American unit faced tremendous discrimination, even from their own government. The Harlem Hellfighters, as the Germans called them, fought courageously on--and off--the battlefield to make Europe, and America, safe for democracy."

4. Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley (Graphic / 2023).

"In this exciting graphic novel about stepping out of your comfort zone, a traveler finds himself lost in Taiwan with no way of finding his brother—but he soon learns that this forced disconnect is helping him explore and experience the big wide world around him.

THIS WASN’T PAUL’S IDEA.

The last thing he’s interested in is exploring new countries or experiencing anything that might be described as “cultural enrichment.” But like it or not, he’s stuck with his brother, Theo, for two weeks in Taiwan, a place that—while fascinating to Theo—holds no interest to Paul at all.

While on a short trip to a local electronics store, Paul becomes hopelessly lost in Taiwan’s twisting, narrow streets, and he has no choice but to explore this new environment in his quest to find his way back to Theo’s apartment.

In an unfamiliar place with no friends—and no GPS!—there’s no telling what adventures he could happen upon. And who knows? Maybe it turns out he has friends in Taiwan, after all."

New Books

1. The Tindalos Asset by Caitlin R. Kiernan (Tinfoil Dossier #3 / 2020).

"The Signalman returns in The Tindalos Asset.

A rundown apartment in Koreatown. A Los Angeles winter. A strung out, worn out, wrecked and used government agent is scraped up off the pavement, cleaned up, and reluctantly sent out into battle one last time.

Ellison Nicodemo has seen and done terrible things. She thought her only remaining quest was for oblivion. Then the Signalman comes calling. He wants to learn if she can stop the latest apocalypse. Ellison, once a unique and valuable asset, can barely remember why she ever fought the good fight.

Still, you don't say no to the Signalman, and the time has come to face her fears and the nightmare forces that almost destroyed her. Only Ellison can unleash the hound of Tindalos. . ."

2. It Lasts Forever and Then It's Over by Anne de Marcken (Sci Fi / 2024).

"Co-winner of the 2022 Novel Prize, this incredible life-after-death novel asks us to consider how much of our memory, of our bodies, of the world as we know it ― how much of what we love can we lose before we are lost? And then what happens?  This third perspective on myself is disconcerting.  The heroine of the spare and haunting It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Over  is voraciously alive in the afterlife. Adrift yet keenly aware, she notes every bizarre detail of her new reality. And even if she has forgotten her name and much of what connects her to her humanity, she remembers with an implacable and nearly unbearable longing the place where she knew herself and was known―where she loved and was loved. Traveling across the landscapes of time and of space, heading always west, and carrying a dead but laconically opinionated crow in her chest, our undead narrator encounters and loses parts of her body and her self in one terrifying, hilarious, and heartbreaking situation after another.  A bracing writer of great nerve and verve, Anne de Marcken bends reality (and the reader’s mind) with throwaway assurance. It Lasts Forever and Then It’s Over plumbs mortality and how it changes everything, except possibly love. Delivering a near-Beckettian whopping to the reader’s imagination, this is one of the sharpest and funniest novels of recent years, a tale for our dispossessed times."

3. Translation State by Ann Leckie (Sci Fi / 2024).

"The mystery of a missing translator sets three lives on a collision course that will have a ripple effect across the stars in this powerful new novel by award-winning author Ann Leckie.

Qven was created to be a Presger translator. The pride of their Clade, they always had a clear path before them: learn human ways, and eventually, make a match and serve as an intermediary between the dangerous alien Presger and the human worlds. The realization that they might want something else isn't "optimal behavior". I's the type of behavior that results in elimination.

But Qven rebels. And in doing so, their path collides with those of two others. Enae, a reluctant diplomat whose dead grandmaman has left hir an impossible task as an inheritance: hunting down a fugitive who has been missing for over 200 years. And Reet, an adopted mechanic who is increasingly desperate to learn about his genetic roots--or anything that might explain why he operates so differently from those around him.

As a Conclave of the various species approaches--and the long-standing treaty between the humans and the Presger is on the line--the decisions of all three will have ripple effects across the stars."

Enjoy the rest of your week.