Tag: Stephen Baxter

Monthly TBR – April 2024

Hi readers and welcome to a slightly later than planned Monthly TBR post!

To get through a slightly longer reading list in April, I’m making an effort to listen to more audio than usual. I’ve found in the past that non-fiction works best in this format, so that’s what I’ll be listening to. This also works great for my goal of reading more than 15 nonfiction books by the end of the year.

In addition to this, I’m picking up two fantasy reads and a sci-fi physically, and lastly, one e-ARC that I need to review by the 27th April. It’s a full list, so let’s get stuck in!

 

Monthly TBR


Empire of the Vampire

My first read of the month is my re-read of Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff. I’m looking forward to picking up the relatively new release of the sequel. However, before I dive into that I wanted a refresher of events so far.

As you’ll see from my last Sunday Summary post, I’m enjoying this read so far! I started reading it last month but had to put it aside for blog tour obligations. However, I’m back into it in full swing and loving the story as much as I did the first time.

 

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

My first listen of the month is Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Admittedly I started this audio on a whim after finishing The Atlas Six, but I have no regrets!

It’s just the kind of non-fiction that I can consume easily. I’m already 10 chapters or 2 hours 20mins in, and that’s been pretty easy to work through.

I’m looking forward to listening to more of this audio in the comings days, as well as looking at the exercises that come with it.

 

The Maiden of Florence

Next to feature on this monthly TBR is my one reading obligation this month, The Maiden of Florence. As I’ve already shared, I am reviewing this book on the 27th of the month.

I signed up for the blog tour as I was interested in the story’s ties to the Medici family. I love historical fiction anyway, but it reminds me of my favourite series in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. I could play the Ezio storylines over and over and not get bored!

It’s a period of history I haven’t read in a while, and all about casting light on a female character cast aside by history… which has me intrigued!

 

The Icepick Surgeon

The second non-fiction audio I hope to listen to this month is The Icepick Surgeon. I discovered this book when an Instagrammer I follow shared she was reading it in March. Initially I’d hoped to read it then as well. However, time as always runs away and I didn’t get to it at the same time.

But, a month late is better than never! As someone who enjoyed exploring this side of science in psychology, I’m looking forward to reading further around the subject!

 

Master of Sorrows

Master of Sorrows… how many monthly TBR’s has this been on now? Three perhaps? I’ve just not gotten to it so far, but I’m determined to at the very least start it in April.

Last month I deliberately didn’t draw another book out my TBR jar give myself chance to read this one. Given I’ve ended up carrying it over again, the same applies this month.

 

Stretch Goal

The Long Earth

On the off-chance I manage to read all the books above, I’m going to pick up The Long Earth next.

It has been on my TBR since February 2018, but I’ve managed to borrow a copy from someone at work who was discussing it with me recently. He has not long finished it, so I want to state my intentions to pick it up as soon as I can so we can compare notes!


Summary

I’ve plenty of reading to do and as of this post, I have two at currently reading status and no completions! Best get a wriggle on!

Have you read any of the books I feature in this post?

Until next time, happy reading!

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Shelf Control #62 – 10/03/2023

Happy Friday and welcome to today’s Shelf Control post! I don’t know about you, but it has been a very snowy 24 hours here! I hope you’re keeping safe and warm if you’re in a similar situation!

Today I feature a novel written in collaboration between two authors. One author, I have read before extensively; the other I have merely sampled. However, I am excited to give this book and potential series a try.

Before we jump into the post in earnest, here is a recap of what Shelf Control is all about.

Shelf Control is a regular feature – a meme run by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. It’s a celebration of the unread books on our shelves! The idea is to pick a book you own but haven’t read and write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!

If you want to read more about the Shelf Control feature, check out Lisa’s introductory post.

 

The Long Earth – Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

Genre: Science fiction / fantasy

Pages: 336

Audience: Adult

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 21 Jun 2012

 

 

Goodreads – The Long Earth

1916: the Western Front. Private Percy Blakeney wakes up. He is lying on fresh spring grass. He can hear birdsong and the wind in the leaves in the trees. Where have the mud, blood and blasted landscape of No Man’s Land gone?

2015: Madison, Wisconsin. Cop Monica Jansson is exploring the burned-out home of a reclusive – some said mad, others dangerous – scientist when she finds a curious gadget – a box containing some wiring, a three-way switch and a… potato. It is the prototype of an invention that will change the way Mankind views his world forever.

And that is an understatement if ever there was one…

 

My Thoughts

I have read a book that Terry Pratchett has co-authored previously. That book was co-authored with Neil Gaiman, and unfortunately, that didn’t end up being a hit! I’d had a hit and miss experience with Neil Gaiman’s writing before. Take my reviews of Stardust and American Gods, for example. In hindsight, it wasn’t really a surprise.

On the other hand, I am a huge fan of Terry Pratchett. I am nearly halfway through his Discworld series, which I’m picking up again very soon. I love his serious content matter, entwined with the satirical tone of which he is a master. I don’t know if this will come to play in The Long Earth, as this is very different from his Discworld novels. That is why I want to give it a try!

I have less experience with Stephen Baxter’s writing, so I’ll be going into The Long Earth without any especial bias. I have sampled one of his books before – one that my dad has loaned me. In truth, I have multiple books that I’ve been loaned that I REALLY need to get around to. Sorry dad! I’m looking forward to giving The Long Earth a try. It could be the perfect opportunity to Segway into his solo books. 

Science fiction is a genre that I have been picking up more of in recent years. It is one I enjoy going back to and exploring different themes in. I’m looking forward to seeing how these two authors broach this genre together.

Have you read The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter, or any other books by these authors?

 

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