Narilka's 2018 TBR Challenge

Reserving my place for 2018! This year's primary theme is called "Let's clean up my desk!" I have a bad habit of putting books I want to read "soon" on the shelves of my desk and then choosing something else to read instead. My desk has a nice collection built up. I'm hoping this will motivate me to push through some of my desk stacks and then I can shelve them where they belong. My secondary list will be carry overs from previous challenges and anything else I feel like mixing in from my TBR. I'm going to leave some room on the secondary list for books received as presents so this list will be finalized sometime next week. Lists are set!

Happy reading 2018 everyone :)

12/12

Mission: Desk Cleanup
1. Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett (Discworld 23 of 41|Witches 6 of 6) Completed 4/5/18
2. The Cat, the Mill and the Murder by Leann Sweeney (Cats in Trouble 5 of 8) Completed 4/9/18
3. Hunter by Mercedes Lackey (Hunter 1 of 3)
4. Cinder by Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles 1 of 4) Completed 2/1/18
5. Chosen Forever by Susan Richards Completed 5/31/18
6. Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen (The Shadow 1 of 4 planned) Completed 1/20/18
7. The Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch* (Gentleman Bastards 3 of 7 planned)
8. Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels 4 of 10) Completed 2/17/18
9. The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
10. A Cat Named Darwin by William Jordan
11. The Gunslinger by Stephen King (The Dark Tower 1 of 8)
12. Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik (Temeraire 2 of 9)

Mission: Even More TBR
1. Red Rising by Pierce Brown* (Red Rising 1 of 3)
2. Wool by Hugh Howey* (Silo 1 of 3)
3. Foreigner by C. J. Cherryh* (Foreigner 1 of 19)
4. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown*
5. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson*
6. Everybody Lies by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz
7. In Calabria by Peter S Beagle Completed 8/11/18
8. Goldenhand by Garth Nix (Abhorsen 5 of 5) Completed 5/14/18
9. The Dispatcher by John Scalzi Completed 7/2/18
10. The Princess Bride by William Goldman Completed 9/1/18
11. In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett Completed 3/14/18
12. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows 1 of 2) Completed 3/21/18

*Carried over from a prior TBR challenge.

Not a bad idea. I've a "desk pile" myself, but as it's never necessarily had a "read this soon" quality I can let it tease me and wane it gradually.

Pratchett, Lackey, Lynch, King and Novik - recognize all those, the rest in your first list are new to me. Looks like you're mostly continuing their series, except for launching into the Dark Tower.

For the primary list, 3 are non-fiction, 4 are new-to-me series, and 5 are continuing series I have in progress.

>3 Narilka:, whew, you demonstrate no fear of tracking multiple series then! I start to itch if I have more than two or three on the go.

I have a "soon to be read" shelf in one of my bookcases. Next year I might have to just convert that Black Reading Hole into the Challenge shelf: there's twenty-odd items there now...

Also, at least 9 series ongoing? You are brave.

>4 Cecrow: Yeah. I can keep several series apart in my head well enough and have my reviews to remind me when I need a nudge. There is a kind of method to my madness. The short version is some I deliberately spread out, some I have to read all the books back to back, some I'm curious about after the first book but don't have a driving need to find out what happens next and there's always the possibility I'll give up a series if I'm not enjoying it.

Later I think I'll go back and add the series with order. My secondary list is going to include series too :)

1. Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen



Wake of Vultures is the first book in The Shadow series by Lila Bowen. While I found the book in the regular fantasy section at the book store, the story has a definite YA feel to it. This was my first time reading a fantasy western. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book since westerns aren't normally my thing.

All Nettie Lonesome wants out of life is to work as a hand at a ranch and spend her days training horses. Being a mixed race orphan girl and living practically as a slave to her adpotive parents it looks like her dreams will remain only a dream until she is attacked by a stranger. Grabbing the only thing near by to use in self defense Nettie stabs the man with a piece of wood through the heart which causes him to turn into... sand? This one act unlocks the "sight" in Nettie and soon she's seeing monsters and myths everywhere. It's a strange, strange world out there and it's not long before Nettie finds herself cursed by a dying Comanche woman to find and kill the monster that's been stealing children in the region. And the clock is ticking.

Nettie is an interesting character. She's sixteen and there has not been much kindness in her life so far. She has been told so many times that she's worthless and useless due to her mixed blood that she believes it. It makes her prickly, with a rough attitude and a hard character to get to know. I found her alternatively frustrating and charming while at the same time feeling compassion for her. She's also had a very small world view, seeing most matters as black and white. This includes gender roles which is the catalyst for her deciding to identify herself as a man so she can work on a ranch. The real world is definitely a learning experience for her, especially when it comes to relationships between people.

The setting is an alternative 1800s Texas. I like how Bowen used small bits of real history and worked it in to her fantasy world, the Durango Territory. I really enjoyed how she turned the Texas Rangers into a supernatural fighting group, those that kill what must be killed (monsters). Their methods are fairly heavy handed though and it gives them a reputation for wanton destruction, some of it seemingly well earned.

There are some pretty great action scenes with the monsters. The book also touches on some deep subjects though since the book leans towards YA and is fairly short they aren't explored too deeply. These subjects include racism, sexism, gender identification, alternative relationships, the death of children and what really makes a monster.

Fair warning: while the main story thread is wrapped up, the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger that is the hook for the second book. I enjoyed Nettie's story enough that I will likely continue it sometime in the future.

Rating:

Interesting review. How did you find out about the book? Or was it a chance purchase at the book store?

>9 passion4reading: It was a chance purchase at the book store.

>10 Narilka: Those are my favourites!

2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer



Cinder is the first book in The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. This was so not the story I was expecting from a Cinderella retelling. Meyers takes the main highlights from Cinderella's story and creates her own version in a highly imaginative way.

Cinder is a gifted mechanic in living in New Bejing with her stepmother and two stepsisters. She's also a cyborg, making her a second class citizen in society. Her stepmother treats her like dirt, constantly blaming Cinder for her father's death and the family's poverty. Cinder spends most of her days running a repair booth in the market to support her family while she daydreams about being free from her stepmother's legal hold over her. A chance meeting with Prince Kai, heir to the throne, changes everything and sets a thrilling series of events in motion.

Meyers has given us an interesting stage for her tale. The story is set sometime in the future, 126 years after World War 4. There are six world governments now with Cinder's story set entirely in the Eastern Commonwealth, this world's version of Asia. A virulent and fatal plague is sweeping the planet, striking its victims seemingly randomly, with each government desperately trying to come up with a cure. At some point humans also colonized the Moon and there's a Lunar colony that is ruled by an (evil) Queen in a totalitarian regime. The Lunars are in a cold war with the Earthens, though that may be heating up as the Lunar Queen has started to make threats in her "peace" overtures. Humans live alongside androids and cyborgs.

For the characters, I liked Cinder and the family android, Iko, a lot. Cinder wasn't your typical "needs a prince to rescue me" heroine. She's stubborn, independent and has worked hard for her reputation as a gifted mechanic. She is keenly aware of the social stigma of being a cyborg and lets it color the way she thinks of herself. Iko was surprisingly hilarious! Who would have ever expected an android that's obsessed with boys and dresses and shoes would be so much fun. She also had some great lines.

And that's about as deep as things get. As for the rest of the cast, they're about what you'd expect based on the Cinderella tale. The stepmother is overbearing and hates Cinder with a passion as does one of the stepsisters. The other stepsister is very sweet, which of course you just know means she's in for something bad. Prince Kai is what I'd call the regular hot guy next door who also happens to be the royal heir. He's not very politically astute for someone who has lived in the palace all his life and should have been exposed to political intricacies by his age. The Lunar Queen is straight up evil and the main villain. Even with the world setting, it's never really explained WHY androids are accepted but cyborgs aren't. Nor does the story go very far into the history of the war. This book feels like such a great foundation yet as I read I kept wishing things went just a bit deeper.

Even with those issues, I found the story engaging and quite entertaining. It was a quick, light read. I am kind of curious to see what happens next for Cinder so may pick up the second book at some point.

Rating:

Sounds like the depth may have been saved for the sequels, at least you know there's something there to work with / explore.

I caved and picked up the second book already :) Fingers crossed Meyers builds nicely upon that foundation.

>14 Narilka: I love it when that happens! You fully intend to pick up a different book but find you can't stay away from the story and have to find out how it continues.

>15 passion4reading: Exactly! Though I'm making myself "earn" it by finishing one more from this TBR challenge before I dive in :)

3. Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews



Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews is the fourth in the Kate Daniels series. What can I say? Kate Daniels never disappoints.

Atlanta. A nice place to live if it weren't for the magic. Kate has been called to investigate a fight a bar located in fairly neutral ground between the Pack and the necromancer territories, the Steel House. There is something very wrong with the crime scene. No one remembers what the killer looks like and it left the body in a horrifying condition. It appears there's a new, terrifying player in town. One that has been roaming the earth for thousands of years and is sometimes known as the Plaguebringer. And what's worse? It appears to be a family affair.

I am loving where Ilona Andrews is taking the series. Each book has built nicely upon those before it and this one is no different, with the tension building and the stakes subtly increasing. This time around the story is based around Babylonian mythology and we are finally treated to a glimpse into Kate's messed up heritage. Boy did you think you have bad relatives! The investigation takes on a personal turn, one that has Kate and the reader unsure if she'll survive the ordeal. It also forces Kate into revealing some of her secrets to those closest to her so they understand just what they're up against. To avoid spoilers all I'm going to say is the villain is pretty darn cool and quite a bad ass. It also proves that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

And the promised romance from the last book? Yes, there is resolution to that. Finally! And yes, it's a roller coaster ride. What else could it be between Kate and Curran? Such hard headed, arrogant alphas. And boy it was satisfying.

Given everything that happens, I get a feeling this is a turning point in the series. It's an interesting set up and I wonder how ripples from these events will effect the remaining books. I'm pretty sure this is going to earn Kate some unwanted attention.

Rating:

Sounds like you really enjoyed it. :)

4. In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett



In Such Good Company is a memoir by Carol Burnett about the eleven years her show was on the air. It is similar to her other book, This Time Together, in that it is told in a series of anecdotes. The book focuses heavily on recapping her favorite shows and stories about many of the guest stars so that it almost feels like a history of the Carol Burnett Show instead of an autobiography. It made me realize that having only caught the show in syndication a lot was edited out for reruns which is a shame.

Rating:

I was only a kid when I saw occasional episodes, but I was impressed even at that age by her warmth and what a good time the cast always seemed to be having.

What they pulled off is truly impressive, all their shows done live, no retakes. I'm not sure something like that could be done these days. And I still love watching reruns if I catch them on tv. Hopefully Netflix or someone will obtain the rights to stream the whole series. There's an official Youtube channel but it's only individual sketches, not whole episodes.

5. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo



Kaz leaned back. "What's the easiest way to steal a man’s wallet?"

"Knife to the throat?" asked Inej.

"Gun to the back?" said Jesper.

"Poison in his cup?" suggested Nina.

"You're all horrible," said Matthias.

Kaz rolled his eyes. "The easiest way to steal a man's wallet is to tell him you’re going to steal his watch. You take his attention and direct it where you want it to go."

Ketterdam, a city of endless opportunity, where anything can be had for the right price. Kaz Brekker, criminal mastermind, knows this better than anyone. When Kaz is offered the deal of a lifetime - break a scientist out of the most secure prison in the world - he knows he has the right crew for the job. If they can pull off the impossible they'll all be rich beyond their wildest dreams. If they can put up with each other long enough.

Six of Crows is the first half of a duology by the same name written by Leigh Bardugo. This is the first book I've read by this author. I understand that there is a Grisha trilogy that is also set in the same world as Six of Crows. This one stands well on its own. There were enough descriptions of the world and how things work that I understood everything well enough. As long as you understand that Grisha = magic user, you're set.

This is, plain and simple, a heist story. It is very much in the same vein as Ocean's 11 and the like. This story has a slow start. It takes Bardugo a while to set up the characters and the world, then put everyone into position before the main action starts. Once it did, the mission impossible music started playing in my head and I couldn't put the book down. That was one wild caper!

I really enjoy the world Bardugo has created. This is the first fantasy novel I've read being Dutch inspired. Ketterdam is based on Amsterdam. While I was reading I knew many of the words had a sound to them I should have recognized but it took me almost the whole book before I placed it. The world is a sort of "advanced medieval" with it's combination of guns and magic. The magic system has some familiarity if you've read the genre enough with it's own little twist to make it interesting.

The characters are nicely fleshed out, all given backgrounds that are revealed throughout the story. It is done is such a way that it doesn't slow down the pacing at all. I think I could easily read a series of short stories based on each of these characters.

On the downside, none of these characters come across as young as we're constantly reminded that they are supposed to be. They're all supposed to be around 17 years old and mostly they act like they're in their 30s. Obviously circumstances will dictate how fast a character "grows up" so you can have very adult seeming teens but it just didn't work for me in this instance. Also, since this is YA, there is romance. Thankfully there are no love triangles, though with 6 characters there are 3 pairings.

And then after the wild ride, it just ends. This is definitely the first half of a larger story. While the main heist is finished several large story threads are left dangling. If cliffhanger-style endings bother you make sure you have book two ready to go so you don't have to wait to finish the story.

Rating:

I have Crooked Kingdom on my list because for some reason I thought that this was the first volume in the duology. Looks like I now have to squeeze in Six of Crows before tackling it!

>23 passion4reading: Yeah, probably a good idea :) I started Crooked Kingdom last night. I need to see how it all wraps up.

6. Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett



"Carpe Jugulum," read Agnes aloud. "That's...well, Carpe Diem is 'Seize the Day,' so this means-"

"'Go for the Throat,'" said Nanny.

Carpe Jubulum is the 6th and final book in the Witches sub-series and the 23rd Discworld novel in publishing order. It's witches verses vampires! King Verence and Queen Magrat of Lancre have had their first child, a daughter, and have invited everyone to the naming ceremony. Unfortunately this includes the Duke and Duchess de Magpyr, a family of vampires from Uberwald. Everyone who knows anything about vampires knows you don't invite them in unless you want a permanent guest. And these sunlight-loving, garlic-eating, progressive vampires are making themselves at home in the castle. It's up to the witches and an Omnian priest to save the kingdom.

It never ceases to amaze me how Pratchett can weave such a fun satire and yet still touch on deeper notes. On the surface we're given a satire about pre-Twilight vampire mythology. It does this well, especially with Alucard Dracula's story, and pokes a lot of fun at classic vampire lore. Going a little bit deeper, he also touches on rural vs modern life as well as religion, faith and morality. The Kingdom of Lancre is Pratchett's version of an idyllic rural kingdom turned sideways, where the King rules by not asking anyone to do things they weren't going to do anyway and all the servants are from the Ogg family, mostly Sean Ogg. We are also treated to an introduction of the Nac Mac Feegle, who feature later on in the Tiffany Aching books.

It was interesting to see ties back to Small Gods in the form of the Omnian priest Mighty Oaks. Mighty Oaks is in well over his head and yet comes through like a champ. Oaks and Granny Weatherwax have some interesting discussions around faith and morality, which I found unexpected and enjoyable. It's moments like this that lift the book above just being a simple satire.

Overall it's another great entry to the series. For new Discworld readers I would not start with this book as it relies heavily on you knowing the characters prior to this installment.

Rating:

I'd like to cherry-pick from the Discworld series rather than read them straight through; sounds like another one worth stopping on.

>26 Cecrow: Maybe it will make it to one of your future challenges :)

7. The Cat, the Mill and the Murder by Leann Sweeney



The Cat, the Mill and the Murder is the fifth in Leann Sweeney's Cat's in Trouble series. Jillian Hart is at it again! Jillian has volunteered to help the local animal shelter relocate a large colony of feral cats living in an abandoned textile mill. During the initial visit to the mill to see just how big a job this will be Jillian discovers an old woman living there. Jeannie had gone missing a decade ago after her own daughter ran away and she refuses to leave. After Jeannie suffers a fall and is taken to a local hospital, a skeleton of a young woman is discovered in the mill. Jillian knows she must do everything she can to help solve the case.

All the main characters are back. I continue to enjoy Jillian and Candice's friendship. It's also nice to see the Mercy PD become more accepting of her help in general. The textile mill is a neat setting for the mystery and we get to learn a little bit about mill history. The plot is solid and thoroughly entertaining. I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series.

Rating:

I just read the first Discworld witches book, and it was great fun.

8. Goldenhand by Garth Nix



Goldenhand is the fifth book in Garth Nix's Abhorsen series. I have mixed feelings about this book. It felt good to be back in the Old Kingdom again after being away for so long. This world and these characters are some of my favorites. Garth Nix's writing is great as always. Yet the story felt strangely flat.

Chlorr of the Mask had retreated to the far north after her defeat at the hands of Sabriel, seemingly disappeared and no longer a threat. Or that's what everyone wanted to believe. A young nomad woman named Ferin has been tasked with a mission to deliver a message to the Clayr: the Witch With No Face has gathered the clans together and is preparing to launch an attack on the Old Kingdom. Hunted by the witch's supporters and chased by her creatures Ferin must deliver the warning in time if the Kingdom is to survive the attack to come.

The story is told from two alternating points of view, Ferin's and Lireal's. The first half of the book is Ferin running from pursuers while Lireal worries over Nicholas Sayre. This throws the pacing of the story off. At around 60% the stories come together, the pacing evens out and the climax and final battles are satisfying, if rushed. Now that I think about it, most everything feels rushed. I think this would have been better being split into two full length books so Nix could explore ideas, new areas of the world and character relationships more.

I'm glad to have read it and to have closure for some loose ends from the previous four books. While enjoyable I don't see myself rereading this one where I definitely plan to reread (or relisten to) the original trilogy at some point.

Rating:

The original trilogy does sound good, one I've considered before but haven't gotten to yet.

If you can do audio books I highly recommend the trilogy in audio as it is narrated by Tim Curry :) Too bad they changed narrators after that or I'd have listened to the 5th book also. I'm sure they make a great traditional reading experience too.

9. Chosen Forever by Susan Richards



I loved Chosen by a Horse when I read it a couple years ago, enough so that when I saw a second memoir by Susan Richards with horses on the cover I knew I had to pick it up. Unfortunately this is a case where I should have read the book blurb better. Instead of being about her horses this book is about the impact publishing her first book had on Susan's life and the book tour and life events that came after. It is a lovely little memoir, written with heart and a lot of self reflection, and provides a little insight into the life of a newly published author.

Rating:

I read the Garth Nix trilogy after both my girls really loved it. I also thought they were wonderful, but I haven't read the books that came later. I guess it is really more of a series than a trilogy. :) I would like to read the other books, too.

10. The Dispatcher by John Scalzi



What would happen if murder could no longer be committed? What would that do to society? Sometime in the near future anyone who has been murdered reappears in their home, stark naked and very much alive. This is the setting for John Scalzi's novella The Dispatcher.

Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher, a licensed professional who humanely kills people when things go wrong so they can have a second chance to get things right. It's just another night at work when Valdez takes a job at a hospital for another Dispatcher who had a personal issue to take care of. That is until the other Dispatcher goes missing and suddenly Valdez finds himself in the middle of a missing persons investigation.

This is such a cool concept! Written in Scalzi's accessible style, the story follows Valdez as he helps a detective solve the missing person's case. The story twists and turns, exploring a few facets of just how people are able to exploit this phenomenon both for the betterment of society and from the criminal side. While there are not enough pages for the themes to be explored too deeply, nor are the characters very fleshed out, it made for an intriguing read.

Rating:

>35 Narilka: - That isn't my normal genre to read but the premise sounds quite intriguing. I'll have to put it on my wishlist.

Yes, very interesting. Nice review.

I've still not managed to read any Scalzi, somehow, though he's been on my need-to-read list for practically a decade now. I really need to get on that!

The Dispatcher would be a good entry to Scalzi. It's short and a great example of his writing style so you'll know quickly if he's for you or not.

I haven't either, though I've been interested in Old Man's War and Redshirts.

I liked both of those as well. Redshirts is a brilliant homage to Star Trek and has a surprisingly touching ending. Old Man's War offers an interesting twist on military scifi. Can't go wrong with either choice.

11. In Calabria by Peter S. Beagle



A new unicorn story by Peter S. Beagle? Sign me up!

Claudio Bianchi has lived alone on his farm in Southern Italy for many years, writing poetry and tending his animals. Set in his ways and resistant to change, his life is turned upside down one morning when an impossible visitor arrives: a unicorn seems to have taken a fancy to his orchard.

This was not the kind of story I was expecting. The focus of the story is on Claudio and his isolated life in modern Italy. It's an interesting tale to see how the impact of having a unicorn on his property forces him back into the world and provides an unfortunately realistic view of a potential reaction from the world when others find out that unicorns are real. While the unicorn does have a part to play, she's more of a catalyst for Claudio's personal growth than the main focus. The writing is lyrical and lovely as always. I was just hoping for more unicorns!

Rating:

Nice review!

That sounds like the kind of magical realism I would enjoy. I've noted it down for future reference. Thanks for the tip!

12. The Princess Bride by William Goldman



Growing up The Princess Bride was one of my favorite movies. It still is easily in my top 10 favorites, maybe top 5. Even to this day I'll sometimes say movie quotes in conversation (usually "have fun storming the castle" to someone about to tackle a difficult task.) I remember trying to read the book as a kid and failing miserably to get past the introduction. I was too young to appreciate or understand the satire and ended up returning the book to the library choosing instead to stick with the movie. I really don't know why it took me so long to read this book as an adult.

For anyone who has no idea what this book is about, here it is described in it's own words:

"Has it got any sports in it?"

"Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles."

"Sounds okay," I said...

The framing of the book, a story within a story, is absolutely brilliant and the writing hilarious. The satirical tone reminds me of Pratchett at times. It plays on a lot of common tropes that were less common back when the book was written in 1973. At some point in the middle of the story the tone shifts, many of Morgenstern's asides that I was loving go away and the humor darkens. It's still enjoyable, just be ready.

I read the deluxe hardback version of the 30th Anniversary edition. The book is absolutely gorgeous. It's printed on parchment looking paper and illustrated. It also has an extra addition to the story at the end titled Buttercup's Baby. I'm not sure when this was added to the book but it's fun for fans to see what happens after everyone rides off into the sunset.

In the end I prefer the movie over the book. You can't beat nostalgia.

Rating:

------

And that meets my goal of 12! I'm still going to see if I can complete a few more before the end of the year.

>45 Narilka:, I'd have to rate the movie ahead myself, but still really glad I read it. Some of the extra framing stuff gets a little away from the point but made it interesting.

I saw the movie first, and then read the book. Borrowed it off a friend that same afternoon, in fact. I've seen the movie numerous times, but I've only read the book the once. Perhaps I should give it another go.

What I think is cool is Goldman also wrote the screenplay. He made some very smart decisions in his translation with what to cut and what to keep while staying true to his original vision and managing to improve it.

I also loved that book. And the movie as well. And congrats on finishing 12 books! :)

>45 Narilka: I've been meaning to get to Princess bride for years now. Someday, I will do it! lol. Glad you enjoyed it!

>50 .Monkey.: It's definitely time :)

>50 .Monkey.:, >51 Narilka:, especially since the author just died. That's usually a finally-getting-around-to-it trigger for me.

>52 Cecrow: Yeah :( Him and Stan Lee both in a short time frame.